Public Dog Parks
Alum Creek Dog Park
Alum Creek Dog Park is a 4-acre public dog park located in the Alum Creek State Park adjacent to the reservoir with water access for dogs to swim, a dog wash station, drinking water for dogs and their owners, and restroom facilities. Separate small dog area. Visit their website for more information.
Big Walnut Dog Park
Big Walnut Dog Park is the first off-leash public dog park in the city of Columbus. It is located on the east side of Columbus on Livingston Avenue and includes three fenced acres and a pond.
Breck Community Park
Pet-friendly park with separate off-leash areas for large and small dogs is located at located at 3005 Demorest Road, Grove City. The park also features walking and biking paths, and a water fountain with pet-bowl function.
Columbus Downtown Dog Park
Columbus Downtown Dog Park is located at the corner of Spring and Fourth Streets.
Columbus MetroParks
Columbus MetroParks offers 12 public pet trails at area public parks. All pets are required to be on a 6-foot or shorter leash. Visit their website and click on "parks" to find a pet-friendly trail at a park near you.
Godown Dog Park
Godown Dog Park is a public 10-acre park located near Linworth & Godown Rds, including one acre small dog area, a divided four-and-a-half acre large dog area with benches, a hydrant for filling water bowls, pathways winding through the park and a paved parking lot.
Granville Dog Park
Granville Dog Park is located in Wildwood Park north of Rt. 37 in Granville. It is a public dog park.
Heritage Trail Dog Park (Hilliard)
Public 4-acre dog park located at 7262Â Hayden Run Road,at the Heritage Trailhead.
in Hilliard. It features 3-acre large and 1-acre small dogs areas and a doggie "sprinkle area" with water features and a doggie drinking fountain.
Nando's Dog Park
Nando's Dog Park is a public 2-acre dog park located in Darree Fields Park in Dublin. It features large and small dogs area and picnic facilities. Visit their website for more information.
Pizzurro Park Dog Park
Pizzurro Park Dog Park is a public 4 acre fenced park in Gahanna. It is open year 'round. It contains a separate fenced area for small dogs 25 pounds or less and an agility area for all dogs. A paved path runs through the large dog area making it accessible for wheelchairs.
Scioto Audibon Park
Scioto Audibon Park is a public 2-acre dog park located downtown on the Whittier Pennisula with separate areas for small dogs and large dogs, each with its own agility course.
Sycamore Plains Dog Park at Three Creeks Metro Park
Sycamore Plains Dog Park at Three Creeks Metro Park is a public 4-acre dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs. It is open 6:30 am - 10 pm during the summer months.
Violet Township Dog Park
Violet Township Dog Park at the corner of Stemen & Pickerington Rd. a public dog park.
Walnut Woods Dog Park (Groveport)
A 4-acre public dog park in the new Buckeye Area of Walnut Woods Metro park just east of Groveport. Includes separate areas for large and small dogs, as well as a shallow swimming area.
Westerville Bark Park
Westerville Bark Park is a public 2-acre large dog park with areas for both large and small dogs located in Brookedge Park south of Schrock Rd, east of Cleveland Avenue and west of Westerville Rd. Entrance is securely gated, with a dog water fountain, hydrants, ADA access and activity stations.
Wheeler Park
Wheeler Park is a public four-acre park in the short north area with a fenced area for dogs.
Other Public Parks which are popular with dog owners: Goodale Park, Schiller Park, Park of Roses and Antrim Park.
Cat Shelters & Rescues
With the exception of a few resident shelter kitties, the Franklin County Dog Shelter only houses dogs. If you are looking to adopt a cat you may find them on our website, or visit one of these area shelters:
Other Animal Shelters