Dog parks and recreational areas are provided by city and state entities for numerous reasons; a weekly trip to the dog park can greatly benefit your furry friend, and here’s how! Tacoma dog friendly parks give your dog a safe place to explore and socialize while allowing you to get some fresh air, exercise, and socialize with other pet parents. Playing with your dog in public is a good way to gain a better understanding of your dog; you can watch how they interact with other animals and people and if they show any signs of aggression or discomfort towards certain things.
Dog parks (especially neighborhood ones) help build community. You and your dog can meet people you can meet up with regularly; you and your dog can gain friends! Ensuring your pup gets plenty of exercise can even deter bad behavior and habits!
If you’re relocating to a new city, it’s important to ensure your puppy will have plenty of wide-open spaces to roam; this is especially important if your Tacoma home doesn’t have a large yard. Luckily for you (and your doggy), there are plenty of dog parks in Tacoma, Washington, to choose from.
Swan Creek Off-Leash Dog Park | New Dog Park in Tacoma
Swan Creek is one of the newest (and most picturesque) off-leash dog parks in Tacoma. This Tacoma dog park is located within Swan Creek Park, a 373-acre Tacoma park. Swan Creek Dog Park is located on the northeast side of Tacoma, more in the city’s suburban settings. All dog parks in Tacoma, Washington have the same Tacoma dog park rules—-dogs must be vaccinated and remain on a leash (unless stated otherwise.) Luckily, Swan Creek is an off-leash park for your pup to play!
The park has countless beautiful amenities like a salmon-bearing creek, nature trails, a community garden, picnic areas, and (without further adieu) a four-acre dog park complete with a large and small dog area. There are drinking fountains, plenty of seating, and much more. The entire park is pet-friendly, so as long as you have your pup leashed, you can explore the other 369 acres together! People in the reviews rave about its cleanliness and overall relaxing ambiance. The park provides secure fences throughout, ensuring all dogs are housed safely, and all water fountains have a small doggy bowl in case your pup gets thirsty!
If you’d like to explore this Tacoma dog park, the address is 2106 E 44th St, Tacoma, WA 98404.
Wapato Park | Best Fenced Dog Park in Tacoma
Wapato Park Doggy Park is ideal for any dog—big or small; there is a place for them here. There are three fenced-in areas for your dogs to roam freely; one is reserved for small dogs only. Wapato Off-leash Dog Park is positioned just steps from the beautiful Wapato Lake, providing optimal views during your putting. The park operates seven days a week from 7 AM to 9 PM. It’s open past sundown, but there is ample lighting, ensuring you and your pup’s safety. There’s even fresh water if your dog gets thirsty, but we suggest bringing a bowl just in case the communal fountain is busy.
While this is a great place for your dog to roam, Wapato isn’t just a dog park. There are walking trails, picnic tables, and much more for you to enjoy; your dog must be leashed outside the fenced-in areas. If this Tacoma doggy park has sparked your interest, we can see why. The address is 6802 S Sheridan Ave, Tacoma, WA 98408, and it’s open from 7 AM to 9 PM.
Point Defiance Off-Leash Area | One of the Best Dog Parks in Tacoma
Point Defiance Off-Leash Area is an off-leash Tacoma, WA, dog park located along Five Mile Drive south of Fort Nisqually, north of the city’s center, and faces the Admiralty Inlet. Your dog will have seven acres of wide-open spaces to explore, with numerous water fountains to quench their thirst. And if you’re nervous about your dog being around bigger doggies, there is a ⅛ acre fenced section for those extra-small guys.
Point Defiance is picturesque as it provides varying terrain, ensuring your dog gets plenty of exercise. Your dog is even allowed on the hiking trails leash-free—the entire seven acres is dedicated to your pets’ needs. You’re even welcome to bring them down to the park’s beach area that faces the inlet. People love the Point Defiance Off-Leash area—some even say it’s the best Tacoma dog park!
- Point Defiance Dog Park hours: 7 AM to 9 PM every day, excluding Friday; its Friday hours of operation are 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM.
- Point Defiance Dog Park rules: Pick up and properly dispose of your dog’s waste; dogs must have up-to-date vaccinations and an active pet license, and females in heat are not allowed in off-leash dog parks. You can see other important rules on the park’s website.
- Point Defiance Dog Park Address: Five Mile Rd, Tacoma, WA 98407
Rodger Off-Leash Dog Park | First Ever Tacoma Dog Park With Acres to Explore
In 2004, Rodger Dog Park became the first dog park in Tacoma. Although it’s older, that’s not to say it isn’t still one of the best! The park provides 2.4 total acres of fun for you and your dog. There is a community and playground and a large fenced-in section for your puppies to play. The off-leash area is 1.5 acres, featuring a drinking fountain, sitting benches, and a sheltered area to escape the elements.
This is a great off leash dog park, Tacoma and is open seven days a week from 9:15 AM to 9:15 PM, so if you’re an early riser, one of the above parks may better suit your needs. But if you don’t mind the later hours, this Tacoma Washington off leash dog park is located at 3151 E L St, Tacoma, WA 98404!
It’s a good idea to browse the Rodger Dog Park rules to ensure you and your dog’s visit goes as smoothly as possible. A few things to note: your dog must have up-to-date vaccinations and an active pet license, you must always pick up your animal’s waste, and your dogs must be on a leash while entering and leaving the park.
McKinley Park | Dog-Friendly Tacoma Park
If you’re looking for the best Tacoma dog Park, this may be the spot for you. Although McKinley is a 26-acre area, only seven acres are designated for dogs. The seven fenced-in acres provide a safe, clean space for your dog to roam; however, it’s important to note dogs must be leashed at all times. This Tacoma Washington dog park is ideal for pet parents who prefer the safety of a leash or ones that don’t feel comfortable around other leash less dogs. Water fountains are available, and there is a picturesque natural water source within the park, along with plenty of beautiful plants and trees to explore.
If you’re looking for dog parks, Tacoma WA that aren’t leash-free, McKinley Park is a good choice!
McKinley Pet Park is located in southeast Tacoma off Interstate 5. It’s located in the neighborhood of McKinley and could be a short walk away if you lived there. The address to McKinley Park is 907 Upper Park St, Tacoma, WA 98404, and its hours of operation are 7 AM to 7 PM, seven days a week.
Here are a few rules to note before visiting this Tacoma Dog Park:
- All dogs must be leashed at all times
- You must pick up your dog’s waste
- Your dog must be up to date on its shots and licenses
Wet Noses Dry Paws | Indoor Dog Park in Tacoma
Wet Noses Dry Paws is a one-stop shop for all your pup’s playful needs. Their indoor facility provides a safe place for your dog to socialize and roam away from the harsh elements. Wet Noses Dry Paws indoor dog park, Tacoma can be especially useful during the extra warm summer days or extra cold winter months. You can have the option to let your dog play for an hour or so, or you can leave them there all day while the dedicated staff looks over them. This is a safe and friendly Tacoma pet park for your pup to play at!
Unlike the above parks, this indoor option is not free and is only open on the weekends. A $20 entry fee is due at the door, and you’re welcome to stay as long as you’d like. Their hours are Saturday and Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM. They also provide grooming for an additional cost.
If this Tacoma indoor dog park has sparked your interest, visit them at 411 Fawcett Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402.
Map of Tacoma Dog Parks
Next time you’re looking for “dog parks near Tacoma, WA”, explore the Tacoma dog parks listed above—-it’s a useful map of dog parks in Tacoma!
Having a safe to bring your dog to play and socialize is vital. You want to live somewhere with plenty of wide-open spaces for your pup to explore! Luckily, there are countless Tacoma dog parks to choose from, but the above are the best ones we could find. If you and your pup need help on your journey to Tacoma, All Ready Moving has the best Tacoma movers to handle your transition. Call us at 360-507-2447 to receive a free estimate!
