Dogs

What's New! Dog & Owner Activities
Help improve the Point Defiance Off-Leash Area!
Vote daily until August 11 for
Mike & Buddy's "dream dog park" video:

Doggercise!
Exercise for dogs and their people!
You and your best friend can get fit and have fun with Metro Parks Doggercise classes at Point Defiance Park and at the Center at Norpoint in Northeast Tacoma.
- Click to get to online registration

  • Off Leash Demonstration Area in Point Defiance Park
    Wednesdays from 5:30 – 6 pm NEW TIME!
    - Click to get to online registration or call 253.305.1000 to get more info
    - Fee: $20 per month or $5 drop-in
  • Center at Norpoint
    Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 6:30 - 7:30 pm
    - call 253.591.5504 to sign up/get more info
    - Fee: $5 drop-in fee; CenterCard holders FREE

Bring water for you and your pooch plus a towel . . . and dress to get fit - rain or shine! All fitness levels are welcome.

Pooch Pool Party
September 11, 2010 • 10 am-2 pm at Stewart Heights Pool • More Info

2009 was the first year for this event. Dogs paddled around with other dogs, lunged through the Lazy River and splashed in the sprayground at Stewart Heights Pool on September 12, 2009.

Check out some of the great photos from this event taken by J. Perusse!



Taking Dogs to Parks
Conduct in all public parks is subject to general police regulations of the City of Tacoma and provisions of Tacoma's Municipal Code, City Ordinance, Park Code Chapter 8.27.

Leash Law: All dogs are required to be on a leash no longer than eight feet or confined to their owner's property at all times. The only exception provided for in the leash law ordinance is if the dog is in a designated off-leash area. Dogs roaming free are in violation of the leash law ordinance. They may be seized or impounded by City of Tacoma Animal Care & Control officers. Owners of dogs running loose may receive a summons and/or a fine. To report a dog running loose or for more information about the leash law, call (253) 627-PETS (7387). There is no leash law for cats.

Pooper Scooper Law: You may take walks with your pet. Along the way your pet might "doo" a little something on the sidewalk. Make sure to scoop up the poop and dispose of it in the garbage (ina a plastic bag) or flush it down the toilet. No matter how big or small the deposit, you can bank on the fact that it will pollute our waters. Pet waste has harmful bacteria in it that contributes to water quality problems, possibly in your neighborhood. With all the pets it adds up, so do your part to clean it up. 

Note: You cannot bring your dog or cat to Point Defiance Zoo, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, the Tacoma Nature Center or to any of our athletic complexes - SERA, Heidelberg/Davis Park or Peck Field. (only service animals allowed) 

Existing Off-Leash Areas in Tacoma
Rogers Off-Leash Dog Park
Opened October 16, 2004
Located at East 34th street and East 'L' street / View Map

Approximately 1.5 acres, the fully fenced off-leash area features a drinking fountain, bench and shelter. It is a perfect place for dogs to exercise and socialize. Rogers Park serves Tacoma's eastside area near the old Roger's Elementary School. In addition to the off-leash area, the park features play equipment, a hard surface play area and shelter.
McKinley Park Off Leash Demonstration Area
Opened October 8, 2009
Located at 907 Upper Park St. / View Map


Approximately 7 acres of the lower trail area of McKinley Park have been made into an off-leash demonstration area. Unlike a formal dog park, this off-leash demonstration area is not a fully fenced enclosure.  The lower portion of McKinley Park is fenced, providing a barrier between the off-leash area and I-5. 
Point Defiance Park Off Leash Demonstration Area
Opened October 8, 2009
5400 N Pearl St. / View Map

Approximately 7 acres in Point Defiance Park, located in the former Madrona Day Camp area on Five Mile Drive south of Fort Nisqually, have been made into an off-leash demonstration area. Unlike a formal dog park, this off-leash demonstration area is not a fully fenced enclosure. See Doggersize Class info under "What's New".  

Your input is appreciated!

To get involved in the planning of future off-leash parks:

  1. Contact nancyj@tacomaparks.com, 305-1092
  2. Or sign up for email updates to receive meeting notices and other information

    (input your email address below and then choose the "Off-leash Parks & Dog Activities" category)
Sign up for Email Updates
Enter email here:

Proposed Off-Leash Area:

Wapato Park - Off Leash Area will be designed to include the loop drive and parking area.

  • The existing north parking lot near the lake shore will be removed and the area planted to improve the lakeshore environment and prevent further water quality degradation.
  • The old paved roadway will be reduced in width so it can serve as a pedestrian and maintenance path.
  • The fenced dog park area should be expanded into the forested area to the east of the existing play field, significantly expanding the fenced area available to off-leash dogs. (A total area of 5 to 10 acres is desired.)
Other Local Off-Leash Areas in Pierce County

Last Updated: Jul 27, 2010 4:22 PM