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Top Off-Leash Dog Areas In Philadelphia

Dog parks and off-leash areas are becoming increasingly popular in urban and suburban settings. These special facilities allow Fido to mingle with other dogs, run free, roll in the grass and enjoy the life of a dog. Philadelphia offers about 15 dog parks in addition to other areas that permit dogs to be off leash. Always check on a location's regulations before allowing your pooch to roam free.
Chester Avenue Dog Park
48th St. & Chester Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19143
www.chesteravenuedogpark.com

Located in West Philadelphia, the Chester Avenue Dog Park requires membership to use its facilities, which cover about one-quarter of a block. Featuring a grass surface, this park also includes agility equipment, balls, toys and chuck-its. There is plenty of shade, plus a seating area. Its puppy pool is a favorite feature and an unlimited supply of water is available for pups. Dogs must be pre-screened for problems before membership is granted, and part of the park's membership requirements include providing eight hours of volunteer labor per membership to help maintain the park.

Related: Top Pet-Friendly Getaways Near Philadelphia

Curtis Dog Park
8230 Old York Road
Elkins Park, PA 19027
(215) 887-1000
www.cheltenhamtownship.org

Operated by Cheltenham Township's Parks & Rec, the Curtis Dog Park in Elkins is part of the Curtis Arboretum. With a fenced-in acre of open land dotted with trees, the park is normally open from dawn to dusk. Dogs are allowed to be off leash once inside the park, but no dogs in heat or less than six months old are permitted. While dog owners are allowed to bring children to the park, the park is designed for dogs first and foremost. Food is prohibited within park area, and owners may not bring more than three animals in at a time.

Columbus Square Dog Park
1200 Wharton St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 685-1890
www.columbussquarepark.com

Located in South Philadelphia, Columbus Square Dog Park provides an array of tree stumps for dogs to jump up on. While small training dog treats are permitted, food is not allowed in the park area, and there are no children under 14 allowed on the dog run. Dogs under four months old are not allowed on the park, and when dogs are not on the run, they must be leashed. Only dogs accompanied by owners or handlers that are at least 18 are permitted to play.

Seger Dog Run
1020 Lombard St.
Philadelphia, PA 19105
(215) 686-1780
www.segerdogrun.org

Seger Park and the Seger Dog Run are owned by the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Department. The park encompasses almost two acres. In addition to the dog run, Seger has other outdoor recreational facilities. The dog run includes an off-leash section and has a gated, fenced in area. A water source is available inside, and membership is required. Children under the age of 10 are not allowed in the dog park and children ages 11 to 15 are allowed only when visiting with an adult. The only dog toys permitted are tennis balls.

Schuykill River Dog Park
2500 Lombard St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 546-1679
www.phillyfido.org

The Schuylkill River Dog Park is another dog park operated by the City of Philadelphia and has been operation since 1997. It's a well-maintained park with shaded areas, benches and water fountains and that has an area dedicated for smaller dogs. It's open 24 hours a day throughout the year. As with other city-operated dog parks, children ages 11 to 15 are allowed when supervised by adults.

Related: Health Benefits To Owning A Dog

Jeffrey B. Roth, has won numerous state and national news and feature-writing awards during his career. A well-known crime writer, investigative reporter and a feature writer, Roth writes for a number of magazines and newspapers. Listed in the Locus Index of SciFi and Fantasy authors, Roth is the author of a number of published short stories and poetry. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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