Calm on the LeashEditorial index · 91 cities ranked
Big US cities ranked by dog-park access
For each big US city we show one public number: how many dog parks there are per 100,000 people, from the most to the fewest. We built this list for people who walk reactive dogs. It does not measure how good your city is for your dog.
91 cities ranked9 listed separately, not rankedRules read Oct 30, 2026
TL;DR
Boise, Portland and Henderson sit at the top of this list - the most dog parks per person among the 91 big cities we could rank. Park counts are approximate, and the list does not measure how good your city is for your dog. 9 cities could not be ranked; they are listed at the end.
Top 10 most parks per person
1Boise, ID9.07 /100k
2Portland, OR5.87 /100k
3Henderson, NV5.7 /100k
4Albuquerque, NM5.3 /100k
5San Francisco, CA5.08 /100k
6Oakland, CA4.04 /100k
7Tampa, FL3.91 /100k
8Madison, WI3.82 /100k
9Miami, FL3.44 /100k
10Washington, DC3.24 /100k
The first 10 of the full ranking: the most dog parks per 100,000 people. Park counts are approximate. Bars are relative to the highest value shown.
Method and limits
Each city is ranked by one number: dog parks per 100,000 people, from the most to the fewest. Ties are broken alphabetically. The park counts come from one 2026 list (Trust for Public Land), copied by another website. We could not check it against the original, and parks open and close, so treat the counts as approximate, not exact. Cities missing a number, or whose count is out of date, are listed separately at the end and not ranked.
The leash notes are for information only - they do not change a city's rank. For each city we say exactly what we checked: the full law text, only part of it, an excerpt, or nothing we could verify. A length limit (like 6 ft) appears only when an official law or city page states it, with where it applies.
The ranking
Every row shows what we checked for its leash rule.
Leash check:full law text readexcerpt, definition or limited scopenot verified
1Boise, IDExcerpt only
general public: leash required Source ↗
2Portland, ORExcerpt only
parks: leash · max 8 ft (parks only; official law excerpt) Source ↗
3Henderson, NVExcerpt only
any public property, street, park: confined or on a leash Source ↗
4Albuquerque, NMExcerpt only
We did not find the rule text in the sources we checked Source ↗
5San Francisco, CANot verified
RPD: dogs on leash in most parks; off-leash in 19 designated areas (park policy document) Source ↗
6Oakland, CAExcerpt only
all dogs leashed on public property incl. sidewalks, streets, parks · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Source ↗
7Tampa, FLExcerpt only
city page: dogs leashed outside designated dog park per city ordinance Source ↗
8Madison, WINot verified
parks: leashed, licensed dogs welcome in most parks, with permit; prohibited locations listed · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Source ↗
9Miami, FLExcerpt only
We did not find the rule text in the sources we checked Source ↗
10Washington, DCExcerpt only
public recreation area: leash, tether or adequate control; dog parks excluded Source ↗
11Sacramento, CAFull law text read
Off their owner's property, dogs must be restrained by a leash, tether or enclosure; the leash or tether may not be longer than 8 ft. Source ↗
City code 9.44.020 ("running loose" definition; the 8 ft limit is in that definition). Training-class and police-assist exceptions.
12Anchorage, AKExcerpt only
We did not find the rule text in the sources we checked Source ↗
13Laredo, TXNot verified
no official text found
14St. Paul, MNExcerpt only
all city parks: leash; off-leash only in designated dog areas · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Source ↗
15Chula Vista, CAExcerpt only
Leash rule text not captured in sources checked · max 6 ft (definition of leash) (general public places; official law excerpt) Source ↗
16Jersey City, NJNot verified
We could not verify the leash rule here
17Lexington, KYNot verified
Fayette County: leash, fence or owner property at all times Source ↗
18Long Beach, CANot verified
Leash rule not verified in sources checked · max 6 ft (general public places; official city page) Source ↗
19Bakersfield, CAFull law read - parks only
In city parks, dogs may not run loose or be on a chain or leash longer than 6 ft, except in designated, posted areas. Parks only; this is not a citywide street rule. The section was amended effective October 16, 2026. Source ↗
Municipal code 12.56.050(G).
20Tucson, AZExcerpt only
public streets, sidewalks, parks, public property: leash · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Source ↗
21Fresno, CANot verified
city memo: running loose without leash and under control prohibited; secondary site cites FMC 10-308 and 10-301(b)
22St. Petersburg, FLNot verified
areas open to public incl. parks: leash · max 6 ft (city page; official city page) Source ↗
23Pittsburgh, PAExcerpt only
public places, streets, parks: leash or chain at all times · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Source ↗
24Denver, CONot verified
subsection (c) exempts dog within designated off-leash enclosure
25Cincinnati, OHExcerpt only
Leash rule text not captured in sources checked · max 20 ft (parks only; official law excerpt) Source ↗
26St. Louis, MOExcerpt only
public street, park, public places: leash held by responsible person (city page citing Title 10) · max 6 ft (city page; official city page) Source ↗
27San Diego, CAExcerpt only
city page: leash at all times except designated off-leash area; enforced in parks, canyons, trails · max 8 ft (city page; official city page) Source ↗
28San Jose, CAExcerpt only
parks: dogs must be on a leash; park-specific posted rules Source ↗
29Minneapolis, MNExcerpt only
general: dog must be effectively restrained on unfenced lots abutting public places; leashing section 64.80 (part of the text read) Source ↗
30Atlanta, GAExcerpt only
parks: leash except designated areas; general: "under control" (leash, at heel or beside competent person) Source ↗
31Port St. Lucie, FLFull law text read
Outside the owner's property, pets must be under restraint: on a leash controlled by someone who can control the pet. Voice command does not count. No length limit found. Source ↗
City code Ch. 92 (Sec. 92.01 definitions, Sec. 92.03).
32Wichita, KSExcerpt only
park property: leash at all times, under full control Source ↗
33Boston, MAExcerpt only
general: street or public place leash or chain · max 10 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Source ↗
34Chesapeake, VAExcerpt only
park areas: leash · max 5 ft (general public places except dog parks; official law excerpt) Source ↗
35Detroit, MIExcerpt only
Only the definitions of running loose and stray were found; a park leash rule is listed by title (Sec. 33-1) Source ↗
36Austin, TXExcerpt only
general public areas, restraint required except areas under 3-4-4 Source ↗
37New York, NYExcerpt only
any public place or open unfenced area abutting: leash or restraint · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Source ↗
38Seattle, WAExcerpt only
city page: leash in most parks; 14 off-leash areas; SMC 18 off-leash areas Source ↗
39Reno, NVNot verified
city page: leashed at all times in public spaces except designated areas (2: Virginia Lake, Whitaker)
40Richmond, VAExcerpt only
city parks: no unleashed dog; running loose = any public property
41Huntsville, ALExcerpt only
parks (non-sports): leash Source ↗
42Lincoln, NEFull law read - parks only
In city parks, dogs may not run loose (loose = not under control by leash, cord, chain or enclosure), except in areas the Parks director designates. Parks only. A separate city Health Department page states a 6 ft leash limit; that page is not law text and is shown separately. Source ↗
Park code 12.08.180 (full text read); 6 ft limit from the city Animal Ordinances page.
43Raleigh, NCExcerpt only
running loose definition: leash/cage/bridle; voice command NOT sufficient (explicit) Source ↗
44Colorado Springs, COExcerpt only
general: parks and public place, restrain by confinement, collar and leash; park premises: dogs led/carried, not loose Source ↗
45Glendale, AZExcerpt only
parks: physically restrained by leash; city park: dogs or cats restrained · max 6 ft (parks; official city page) Source ↗
46Houston, TXExcerpt only
running loose = without direct physical control (not leash-specific) Source ↗
47San Antonio, TXExcerpt only
city page: 19 off-leash dog parks Source ↗
48Chandler, AZExcerpt only
Leash rule text not captured in sources checked · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Source ↗
49Nashville, TNExcerpt only
city park page: leashed dogs welcome in all Metro Parks · max 6 ft, non-retractable (parks only; official law excerpt) Source ↗
50North Las Vegas, NVFull law read - partial rule
The code bans letting an animal run loose on public or private property. The text we read has no leash or length wording, so no leash rule or limit is stated. Source ↗
City code Ch. 6.08, Sec. 6.08.060.
51Chicago, ILNot verified
city guide says off-leash only in dog friendly areas Source ↗
52Durham, NCNot verified
We could not verify the leash rule here
53Greensboro, NCNot verified
parks: may not run running loose; direct supervision and control
54Scottsdale, AZExcerpt only
public streets, parks, school property: running loose violation; leash defined · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Source ↗
55Anaheim, CANot verified
No verified walking rule. The section we found covers library premises only. Source ↗
Municipal code 8.04.010.
56Irving, TXExcerpt only
city FAQ: all pets leashed and controlled at all times (walking, trails) Source ↗
57Winston-Salem, NCNot verified
ordinance PDF and NC state text: dog off premises must be under control of competent person and restrained by leash, chain, rope or adequate physical control
58Lubbock, TXNot verified
running loose defined in public nuisance Source ↗
59Louisville, KYExcerpt only
off owner's premises: leash/lead under control of responsible person Source ↗
60Virginia Beach, VAExcerpt only
city park, sidewalk, street: leash or lead at all times (City Code 5-531) Source ↗
61Buffalo, NYExcerpt only
parks: leash held at all times Source ↗
62Plano, TXFull law text read
A dog counts as running loose unless it is under a person's direct physical control by a tether of at most 6 ft. Authorized off-leash sites and dog parks are excluded. Source ↗
City code Ch. 4, Art. IX, definitions ("running loose", "tether"); 6 ft limit is in the definition.
63Kansas City, MONot verified
running loose; "off-leash area" provision exists Source ↗
64Stockton, CAFull law text read
In public streets, alleys or other public places, dogs must be securely held by a rope, chain or leash, held the whole time by someone who can control the dog. Service, signal and police dogs are excepted. No length limit found. Source ↗
City code Sec. 6.04.120.
65Baltimore, MDExcerpt only
running loose definition; off-leash approved activity or Rec and Parks areas/hours · max 6 ft (parks only; official law excerpt) Source ↗
66Milwaukee, WINot verified
official city LRB page states Ord. 78-19 requires animals leashed or confined (page summary, not operative text)
67Orlando, FLExcerpt only
no dog running loose on any public property Source ↗
68Frisco, TXExcerpt only
running loose nuisance and physical control by leash, cord or restraint (general) Source ↗
69Cleveland, OHExcerpt only
public place and park (unmuzzled dog held securely in leash) · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Source ↗
70Memphis, TNExcerpt only
always on leash or suitable restraint; public property and sidewalks Source ↗
71New Orleans, LAExcerpt only
outside enclosure dogs under secure leash with owner; dog parks exempt Source ↗
72Phoenix, AZExcerpt only
no dog running loose: enclosure or leash; park exception for dogs where off-leash permitted and "demonstrably under control" (auditory/visual commands) · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Source ↗
73Toledo, OHExcerpt only
off owner's premises: leash/harness or direct and constant control · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Source ↗
74Arlington, TXNot verified
general (running loose definition) Source ↗
75El Paso, TXExcerpt only
City code 13.24 city parks: leash-free only in designated dog parks/off-leash areas with personal supervision Source ↗
76Aurora, COExcerpt only
running loose ordinance 14-5 · max 10 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Source ↗
77Tulsa, OKNot verified
off-leash park areas set by Park Board (dog park rules) · max 6 ft (parks; official city page) Source ↗
78Gilbert, AZExcerpt only
public streets, parks, property: unrestrained = violation · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Source ↗
79Jacksonville, FLOnly a definition read
A leash longer than 8 ft does not count as physical control (from a definition, not a general limit). Source ↗
City code Ch. 462, "Physical Control" definition; only the definition was read.
80Dallas, TXExcerpt only
parks: dog must be led by a person and retained by leash Source ↗
81Corpus Christi, TXExcerpt only
city park page: dogs must be on a leash Source ↗
82Riverside, CAExcerpt only
public park: leash · max 6 ft (parks only; official law excerpt) Source ↗
83Omaha, NENot verified
parks and trails: leash at all times (parks page) Source ↗
84Fort Worth, TXExcerpt only
city parks and recreation areas: leash and direct physical control Source ↗
85Mesa, AZExcerpt only
public streets, parks, property: running loose violation; city park: physical leash · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Source ↗
86Philadelphia, PAExcerpt only
any street, public place: leash · max 6 ft including handgrip, excluding collar (general public places; official law excerpt) Source ↗
87Oklahoma City, OKExcerpt only
city page: confined or on leash; city parks leash except PAW Park and 2 dog parks Source ↗
88Garland, TXFull law text read
It is against the law to let a dog run loose. It is a legal defense if the dog was on a leash held by a person, or under the control of someone strong enough to control it. No length limit found. Source ↗
City code Sec. 22.03 (City code).
89Los Angeles, CAExcerpt only
no animal running loose in public street, sidewalk or park (LA city code running loose provision) · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Source ↗
90Newark, NJExcerpt only
public streets and public places: leash · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Source ↗
Park count not confirmed: the city's largest parks are county-run, so the count may miss parks.
91Irvine, CAFull law text read
In public places (streets, sidewalks, trails, open space and similar), dogs must be on a strong leash of at most 6 ft, held by someone who can control the dog. This does not apply in an approved off-leash dog park. Source ↗
City code Sec. 4-5-701.
Not ranked
Listed openly: six cities have no 2026 park count in the source we used, two are counted at county level, and one city’s count is out of date. Counts from city websites use each city’s own definition and cannot be compared.
Cape Coral, FL
1 park
No 2026 dog-park count in the source used
Charlotte, NC
14 parks (county basis)
Source counts on a county basis
Columbus, OH
4 or 5 parks
No 2026 dog-park count in the source used
Fort Wayne, IN
1 to 2 parks
No 2026 dog-park count in the source used
Honolulu, HI
11 parks (county basis)
Source counts on a county basis
Indianapolis, IN
at least 4 parks
No 2026 dog-park count in the source used
Las Vegas, NV
12 (city page, 2026-08) parks
No 2026 dog-park count in the source used
McKinney, TX
2 parks
No 2026 dog-park count in the source used
Santa Ana, CA
0 (stale snapshot) parks
Source count is stale: the city opened its first dog park in April 2026, after the snapshot. Not comparable this year.
What this page does not claim
- No "best", "hardest" or "worst" city for anxious or reactive dogs: this list was not tested for that.
- Park counts come from city park agencies and cover city limits only. We did not measure size, quality, fencing or access.
- The rates count people, not dogs.
- Leash rules change. This page shows what we read on October 30, 2026 - it is not legal advice.
Sources: dog-park counts from Trust for Public Land City Park Facts 2026 (copied by another site, not checked against the original); population from the US Census Bureau (2025); leash rules from city law codes and city websites, read October 30, 2026.