A Dog’s Guide to Central Park
Visiting Central Park with your dog? There are a few rules in place to help everyone enjoy their time and stay safe.
Central Park may feel like one big dog park, but there are a few rules to help everyone enjoy their time and stay safe. Don’t worry, it’s nothing more complicated than “Sit, stay, fetch!”
Why are these regulations in place? The Conservancy staff is dedicated to protecting wildlife as well as essential ecosystems found in the Park’s garden beds, root zones around trees, and lawns from heavy foot (and paw) traffic.
We appreciate your thoughtfulness and consideration as we work together to keep Central Park a safe space for all species.
The following are City-wide dog rules and regulations, outlined by NYC Parks.
- Dogs must always be under the control of their owner.
- Dogs must have a NYC license tag and valid rabies tag.
- Dogs must not dig, chase, or harm wildlife; damage Park property; or interfere with other Park users.
- Always clean up after your dog, including dog hair that you brush off in the Park.
- Please respect signs, fences, and red flags that may indicate temporary closure due to restoration, maintenance, or weather conditions.
- These rules are part of the NYC legal code; dog owners may be fined for any violation.
If you find a lost dog or if your dog is missing, please contact the Animal Care Centers of NYC.
LEASH HOURS
Dogs must be leashed in Central Park from 9:00 am–9:00 pm daily. Off-leash hours in Central Park are from 6:00 am–9:00 am and 9:00 pm–1:00 am.
Please note: Dogs must always be leashed in the following locations, even during off-leash hours.
- Arthur Ross Pinetum (Mid-Park between 84th and 86th Street)
- Bridle Path (Loop surrounding the Reservoir)
- Children’s Glade (West Side between 103rd and 106th Street)
- Conservatory Garden (East Side between 104th and 106th Street)
- East Green (East Side at 69th Street)
- East Meadow Oval (East Side between 97th and 100th Street)
- Kerbs Boathouse Plaza (East Side at 74th Street)
- North Woods (Mid-Park between 101st and 110th Street)
- The Ramble (Mid-Park between 73rd and 79th Street)
- Shakespeare Garden (West Side at 79th Street)
- Strawberry Fields (West Side between 71st and 74th Street)
- Turtle Pond Lawn (Mid-Park at 80th Street)
- West 86-90th Street Lawn
- Central Park Drives
- Other areas where signs requiring dogs to be leashed are posted
Read More
How can you keep your dog’s Park outings healthy and happy for your pet, your park, and the other animals that call these 843 acres home? We consulted the experts to bust some myths and share some tips to make your dog’s next visit harmonious for everyone involved.
Follow local dog Moses on a tour through some of his favorite spots in the Park's north end!
The Only Places Your Pup Isn’t Allowed
While there are plenty of places in the Park (it’s an abundant 843 acres, after all) that are fair game for fetch, the following locations are always off limits to dogs for the safety of our visitors, wildlife, and landscapes.