Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Austin? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the Lone Star State.
This page is focused on public city dog parks and also includes Sniffspot private dog parks.
Sniffspot is the largest network of private dog parks for rent in the world. Each of the thousands of Sniffspot dog parks are hosted by locals on private land with 100% private bookings to maximize safety for guests and their dogs! Sniffspot offers various types of dog parks, including fenced fields, water parks, indoor dog parks, dog beaches, and more.
Click here to learn more about Sniffspots in Austin.
Here are a few things to bring with you when visiting a dog park in the Austin, Texas area.
Keep your parks clean! Always pack a few extra poop bags in case you need to pick up after your pup — and consider scooping any left-behind piles you come across, too. This will make the environment safer for everyone who visits.
Cleaning up after your dog is especially important in the warm Texas climate, which can encourage quick bacteria growth. Waste stations are available at many public Austin dog parks to make it easy for dog parents to keep things sanitary by properly disposing of trash.
Some Austin public dog parks offer water bowls or water fountains for your dog, but it’s a good idea to pack some of your own just in case. This ensures that your dog won't encounter dangerous germs or parasites on shared drinking surfaces — and means you never leave your dog’s hydration up to chance, particularly on hot days in the Texas sun.
If your dog will be playing with other dogs, it’s important to pay close attention to what they’re wearing. You don’t want anyone’s teeth or paws getting caught in loose fabric or buckles!
That said, it’s always a good idea to bring a well-fitted collar or harness along with your dog’s identification tags. The city of Austin requires all dogs to have rabies vaccinations to use public dog parks.
Along with a collar or harness, bring a leash — yes, even if the dog park you’re visiting is a designated off-leash area! This way you can keep your dog under control while walking to and from the entrance. (You can learn more about Austin’s dog leash regulations on this page, and enjoy this music video from Kevin Russell of Shinyribs promoting responsibly leashing your pup in the city.)
You might also consider packing an extra leash in case you need to grab hold of another dog or intervene if a conflict arises.
Read reviews and be on the lookout for any common issues, like unruly dogs, left-behind waste, potentially dangerous wildlife like Texas scorpions and snakes, or harmful algae that’s been found in Lady Bird Lake. It can be hard to find reliable information about some public parks (one reason Sniffspot’s private listings might be a better option) — so when in doubt, don’t risk it. Your dog’s safety and comfort are too important.
Take inventory of the other dogs and owners.
This will help you make sure your dog is enjoying their time and keep everyone safe! Know what signs might indicate that your pup is stressed or overwhelmed — and be ready to step in if needed.
You can read more about interpreting your dog’s body language in this article.
Sniffspot conducted a 2022 survey of dog owners across the country to better understand the state of public dog parks. The south’s public dog parks (including those in the Austin area) came in second place on our survey:
Austin Parks and Recreation provides several off-leash areas for local owners to enjoy with their dogs.
City parks are usually open for public use each day between 5 am and 10 pm, unless otherwise posted. Note that city events, construction, maintenance plans, and other factors can impact park accessibility. When in doubt, get in touch with the parks and recreation department before heading out for a visit.
Young puppies and female dogs in heat are generally not welcome in public off-leash areas. Be sure to check the full rules of any spot before visiting!
(When a specific off-leash spot isn't noted, most parks allow dogs under the control of a physical leash. Popular spots for leashed walks include bike trails and hiking trails like those at Emma Long Metropolitan Park.)
Zilker Metropolitan Park is known as Austin’s “most-loved” park. It’s 351 acres in total, featuring a large off-leash dog area — 45 acres where your pup can be free of a tether! — where you both can run and explore. This size makes it a better public dog park option than most smaller, fenced locations since there's more room to allow for natural canine communication between furry friends. Plus the green space is perfect for we human nature lovers, too!
Note that Zilker Park's off-leash dog area is not fenced. You’ll want to make sure your dog has a solid recall before you visit.
Metropolitan Park is a 239-acre park in North Austin. It has miles of paved trails where dogs should be on a leash — as well as a designated off-leash area where your pup can run and play freely, with two separate sections for small and large dogs that can help minimize the risk of prey drive related incidents. Stations are provided to deposit waste.
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park also features a human swimming pool, children’s playground, and a handful of recreational facilities for sports like softball. There are several spots in the leashed area where you and your dog can enjoy the creek itself to cool down. All of this makes it a perfect spot for locals and visitors alike.
Sociability note: The fenced, off-leash portion of Walnut Creek park is small in size, which means your dog might not be able to make space from other pets if they aren’t interested in playing. You should only visit if you’re confident your pup is social and tolerant with unfamiliar dogs. (As always, dogs must be under the control of owners.)
Onion Creek Metropolitan park is more than 500 acres in total, located in Southeast Travis County. This park is largely undeveloped — making it a nature oasis! — but does have some groomed trails, restrooms, pavilions, and designated open play fields. The off-leash dog area in Onion Creek is in the adjacent greenbelt that also features a children’s playground and creek crossing. It is over 100 acres, providing plenty of space for your dog to interact naturally with other people and pets, peacefully making some new furry friends.
Note that the off-leash dog area of Onion Creek District Park is not fenced, so you’ll want to make sure your dog has a solid recall before you visit.
Red Bud Isle is surrounded by plenty of water on three sides. (Make sure to be aware of harmful algae risks in Lady Bird Lake!) Your dog can run on the trails, swim off the shore, and interact freely with other visitors at this popular off-leash destination.
Note that parking is limited and the area is popular — consider going at “off” hours to avoid the peak crowds. Also know that this spot is not fenced, so you’ll want to make sure your dog has a solid recall before you visit.
This Austin park, part of the Town Lake Trail, is widely known for its off-leash dog area. There is a secure double gate entrance with a separate area for small dogs to reduce the risk of prey drive related incidents as pets chase each other. The main fenced area offers ample shade.
Sociability note: This public dog park is small in size, which means your dog might not be able to make space from other pets if they aren’t interested in playing. You should only visit if you’re confident your pup is social and tolerant with unfamiliar dogs.
Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the entirety of Mary Moore Searight Park — and a dog park consisting of a one-mile loop trail is located at the north end of the park, accessed on 1st street. There is a shallow stream to provide some relief from the Texas heat.
The Shoal Creek Greenbelt allows dogs off leash between 24th street and 29th street, near the north end of Pease Park in Austin. You and your dog will share the space with other pets, walkers, joggers, and bikers. There are rocks to climb and trees to weave through, creating a natural experience for your best friend to enjoy as they encounter new furry friends.
Note that the Shoal Creek off-leash spot in Pease Park is not fenced, so you’ll want to make sure your dog has a solid recall before you visit.
West Austin Park has an off-leash fenced area for dogs with shade, chairs for the humans, a hose for a water washing station, and inclined terrain that will help tire out your pup. Because they have their own designated safe space, dogs are not allowed off-leash in the nearby open field. This is a popular neighborhood park.
Sociability note: This public dog park is small in size, which means your dog might not be able to make space from other pets if they aren’t interested in playing. You should only visit if you’re confident your pup is social and tolerant with unfamiliar dogs.
Cedar Bark Park is one of the largest fenced public dog parks in Austin at 5 acres. There is a pond for dogs to play in, showers to rinse off afterward, and water fountains to stay hydrated. A separate small dog area is available for littler canine companions to play with a lower risk of prey drive related incidents as furry friends chase each other.
Sociability note: This public dog area in Cedar Park is relatively small in size, which means your dog might not be able to make space from other pets if they aren’t interested in playing. You should only visit if you’re confident your pup is social and tolerant with unfamiliar dogs.
Auditorium Shores is an off-leash area located along the water, providing beautiful views of the downtown area and opportunities for your pup to swim.
Sociability note: This public dog park is relatively small in size, which means your dog might not be able to make space from other pets if they aren’t interested in playing. You should only visit if you’re confident your pup is social and tolerant with unfamiliar dogs. Also know that this spot is not fenced, so you’ll want to make sure your dog has a solid recall before you visit.
Bee Cave Dog Park is a fenced-in dog run featuring a pond for pups to swim and wade in, benches for humans to rest on, and trees that provide shade from the hot Texas sun. Some visitors report that the ground gets muddy easily — your pup might love the experience, but you might want to avoid the mess by going to another destination for their exercise and play on damp days.
Sociability note: This public dog park is small in size, which means your dog might not be able to make space from other pets if they aren’t interested in playing. You should only visit if you’re confident your pup is social and tolerant with unfamiliar dogs.
10 acres of freedom with both day and night time spots (especially wonderful since public Austin parks close in the evening). The host has an area lit up just for those late night visits! Lots of up and down hills will give your dog the exercise they desire and the exploration they crave. During the spring there are beautiful wildflowers and butterflies that will take your breath away, making Mahalo Doggie Haven a popular destination.
Named after the host’s favorite dog, Oscar’s Acres has so many interesting things to smell, plenty of space to run, and beautiful woods. Kick back in the chairs by the A-frame and relax while the dogs wear themselves out on safe, private property.
Five acres of total property with multiple fenced areas — current bookings get access to the fully fenced front acreage, which provides plenty of space for your pup to run, play, and explore. There is also a large pond for water-loving dogs who want to swim.
A partially fenced area next to a big beautiful lake. This private dog park has a lot of space for walking and hiking — and if your dog loves swimming, there is nice access to the water on the property, too.
Waggin’ Tails is fenced in with two opening gates on each side. The backyard comes equipped with several tennis balls, a cornhole set, a picnic table with umbrella, a hammock, string lights, a fan, a Bluetooth stereo, a doggie kiddie pool, bug spray, doggie bags, loungers and an umbrella with chairs.
The host also offers a foster dog discount!
Welcome home to a lovely spot in the middle of all the great things happening in Windsor Park! Fully fenced with a private entrance, featuring two picnic tables with umbrellas and a hammock on the property.
It is important for dogs to have off-leash exercise and plenty of opportunities to explore. But the free and open nature of public dog parks can have drawbacks.
Many dog behaviorists discourage visiting public dog parks and recommend Sniffspot's private dog parks. With Sniffspot, dogs can get their exercise safely — without worrying about other dogs, people, or potential disease transmission. You can read about whether your dog is a good fit for a public dog park in this article.
While the popularity of dog parks has been skyrocketing in the United States, so has the number of professional trainers who caution against their use.
(Thankfully, private dog parks don’t have most of these concerns. Learn more about Sniffspot listings in your area here!)
Many owners are drawn to dog parks because they want to socialize their pets. We’re inundated with messages of the “perfect” friendly dog. Our social media feeds feature viral videos of animal best friends that echo the cutesy movies we loved as children — but they often show a false reality.
While dogs are social mammals, it’s typically not natural for them to regularly engage in play with strangers. Dog sociability can be viewed as a sliding scale:
Ultimately: It’s perfectly normal for our dogs to not want to play with other pets outside of our families. Renting a private dog park just for your dog and a few trusted friends might be the best option.
Owners have great intentions when they bring their nervous dogs to the dog park in hopes of building social skills. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much for that plan to backfire.
Because dog parks are often busy, chaotic environments, it can be difficult to ensure all interactions are positive. Uncertain dogs are easily overwhelmed by large packs — if the space is fenced-in without adequate space to flee, these pets can quickly feel trapped or resort to the “fight” option of fight-or-flight reactions.
After a few stressful experiences, previously shy dogs can lose trust in their owners and even become fear aggressive.
Sniffspot takes these risks seriously. That’s why all of our private dog park listings are carefully booked to make sure there’s ample time between arrivals and departures — and you can filter listings by whether or not your dog is likely to see any other animals at all, even from afar.
It’s not just nervous dogs who can be harmed by dog park visits — exuberant dogs might struggle in these environments, too.
Many social dogs struggle with excitement-based leash reactivity. When they see another dog, they want to say hi! When the leash prevents them from doing so, they experience something called barrier frustration. Eventually this boils over into an aggressive-looking display that makes it difficult to go on walks or explore public spaces.
While playing with other dogs can be an important part of a social pet’s fulfillment, too much unstructured off-leash time can have unintended consequences when they routinely practice running up to other dogs.
These risks are especially high when owners take their dogs to the dog park with the intent of tiring them out. Pets often arrive in an amped-up, energetic state of mind that impairs good decision making.
Even a previously social dog might develop a behavior issue (like fear reactivity) due to a negative interaction with another dog at a public dog park. Perhaps they get subtly bullied, feel overwhelmed, or are even bit — and they decide to preemptively try to keep other dogs away from them. Now your social dog is selective or even aggressive toward others.
While some dogs seem to let those negative interactions roll off their back (especially if they’ve been well socialized since puppyhood) others are affected in lasting ways. Each dog and situation is different.
Public dog parks also increase the chances of pets sustaining injury or developing infection.
While many dog-dog injuries at dog parks are accidental — canines can be mismatched in size, inadvertently break skin while wrestling with untrimmed nails, or simply come on too strong without realizing — others are overtly aggressive.
Even friendly dogs can start fights by failing to recognize another pet’s signals of discomfort. Resource guarding over food and toys can turn into a dangerous scuffle. Sometimes heightened arousal from being in a large social group elevates even a typically clear-headed dog’s prey drive.
No matter how hard Austin works to keep their parks clean, it’s impossible to fully eliminate all infection risk. This is especially true in dog-designated spaces that see dozens, or perhaps hundreds, of different canines each week.
There’s no way to confirm that every dog entering an off-leash space has been fully vaccinated — and bacterial diseases like leptospirosis often thrive in wet, muddy terrain that’s been torn up by paws.
Young puppies and elderly dogs have the greatest chance of getting sick.
As mentioned above, Austin dog parks also have to contend with Texas plants and wildlife.
There’s a trade off here: Busy public dog parks will likely scare away other animals (like snakes and scorpions) and make the soil unfit for most plant growth. That is a good thing for your pet’s safety — but the more dogs that visit the space, the greater the chance of fights and contagious illness.
For those reasons, visiting a private dog park where the host can inform you of exactly what to watch for ahead of time might be the best idea.
While dog parks certainly come with their risks, it would be unfair to claim they’re always a bad idea. Public dog parks do serve an important community service in cities like Austin. Remember that dogs aren’t naturally suited to urban environments!
Some areas lend themselves to safe interactions better than others — large plots of land with acres to maneuver are less dangerous than fenced-in city runs, for example — and responsible owner involvement can make a world of difference.
Well-maintained off-leash dog parks can provide dogs and owners with:
If choosing to use a public dog park, you can do a lot to manage your dog’s safety:
While public dog parks have a number of safety issues, such as potentially aggressive dogs and disease transmission, Sniffspot dog parks are much safer.
Sniffspot bookings are private for just you and dogs you bring. We require every dog to be vaccinated (or have equivalent titers). All Sniffspot locations are vetted and reviewed by guests so you can find the perfect safe place for you and your dog.
You can filter Sniffspot dog parks by fencing and distractions.
We recommend reading reviews and reaching out to the host with any questions.
Yes! Sniffspot has fully fenced dog parks in or near Austin. Browse all options and filter by fence presence and height by clicking this link.
There are Sniffspot fields in or near Austin where dogs can be off leash. One of the most popular fields is Mahalo Doggie Haven, which is 10 acres in Bulverde, Texas.
However you go: Enjoy your time at a local Austin-area dog park.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.