Dog Parks in Washington

Dogs have it good here in Washington; not only is there more room to play indoors than a New York dog would have, but plenty of dog parks in Washington abound for them as well. Move over, National Mall. Even our four-legged friends need a place in our nation's capital to roam free, as dogs were intended to do. Since only the First Puppy gets to dig through the Rose Garden, here's a list of some dog parks in Washington where the pups can get off the leash to run free.

Shaw Dog Park. As long as you bring fewer than three dogs, they can all roam free in this Shaw neighborhood park. Unhook your dogs and let them run free. Dog capacity is at 33, so arrive before the after-work crowd shows up.

Congressional Cemetery. This expansive and prestigious place for dogs also requires an annual fee of $50 per dog and a sign-up registration of $200. After all, it's one of the largest places that allow dogs to run safely without a leash. Just make sure Fido doesn't choose to pee all over one of the graves.

Rose Park. Georgetown's dogs need a place to scamper without their pearls, though their owners may leave them on (themselves, not the dogs). Rose Park is where all elitist dogs come to race around and nose each other, and a wonderful place for Georgetownites to socialize and befriend one another while silently judging each other.

Cabin John Regional Park. This rustic Maryland retreat right by the beltway has two dog parks – one for big dogs and another for small. The rest of the park offers other amenities – sport fields, a giant playground, a train popular with kids, ice skating, the works – so it's a great place to bring the entire family. Both dog parks are free and open during park hours and are great for suburban dogs looking for a social life outside their tiny Bethesda lawns.

Four Mile Run Park. This NoVA spot is popular for exercising humans and their pets, so appropriately the dog parks are suitable to run dogs around. There's an area for small dogs and another for large, and as a bonus there's a swimming creek. Owners can jog the dogs home (on leash) via the running path afterwards.

Clarendon Park. Another park that allows dogs off-leash, this is a hugely popular spot for suburban Virginian dog owners to mingle, silently compare their dogs to others and meet other doggy lovers. An excellent place for socialite dogs and socialite owners.

Dog parks Washington pets