Dog parks in Arlington

As one of the most popular parks in the Arlington area, Shirlington Dog Park offers plenty of amenities for both dogs and their owners. This includes separate areas for small dogs and large dogs, multiple poop bag dispensers, access to the local creek, and even an agility area for dogs to play on. It is one of the first off-leash dog exercise areas in the D.C. metro area, and it offers a quarter-mile length for its two acres, ensuring that dogs can run wild and play on their own time. The time and effort put into maintaining the park has led it to be consistently named one of the top dog parks in the entire country.

Fenced-in dog parks are a great option if you’re worried about having your dog run away from you unexpectedly, but unfenced dog parks can allow your well-trained dog to run and play with slightly more freedom. That’s exactly what Glencarlyn Dog Park offers — an unfenced area where dogs can run, play, and have a great time. Plus, dogs can also swim in the adjacent creek.

This dog park sits within Benjamin Banneker Park, a 12.5-acre park with two playgrounds, a stream, picnic areas, and a multi-use field. The dog park itself offers plenty of ways to play, including a bucket of toys and double entry and exit gates to ensure safety for your dogs. Four Mile Run, the river that winds through this dog park, is monitored by local officials for bacteria and debris, but officials warn to stay alert for strange smells and visual markers that may indicate issues with the water before allowing your dog to jump in.

Located within the four-acre Towers Park, the Towers Dog Park is lit and open until 10 p.m., which makes it a great location for dog owners who enjoy being out after dark. There are also both large and small dog areas, as well as an agility ramp for dogs to play around on. Because it’s right next to the tennis court, it also benefits from a consistent supply of tennis balls. Whether you’re primarily visiting for the dog park or for the rest of the play space surrounding it, this is a widely beloved park for all kinds of dogs.

The Virginia Highlands Park is a very widely beloved park in the Arlington area, sprawling across a whopping 20 acres. Plus, there are two lighted basketball courts, a sprayground water feature, tennis courts, and more. The dog run, sponsored by Pentagon City Dogs, is nice and large, offering gravel for the dogs to run around on, and the park provides separate areas for large and small dogs, as well as plenty of shaded seating for dog owners.

There are all sorts of ways to enjoy time outdoors with your dog, ranging from walks to hikes and dog parks. If you’re thinking about taking your dog to a dog park, remember that there are certain standards of behavior that other dog owners will expect from your dog. If you’re worried about behavioral issues with your dog at your local dog park, consider booking a virtual vet appointment with Vetster to get more insight into how you can handle those issues.