the dog days of fall
Central Park is an excellent place to enjoy the day with your canine companion.
Dogs are allowed in most sections of Central Park whenever it is open to the public, but they must be on-leash 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Off-leash hours are from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
Even during off-leash hours, dogs must always be leashed in the following locations: Arthur Ross Pinetum, Bridle Path, Cedar Hill, Children's Glade (Great Hill area), Conservatory Garden, East Green, Kerbs Boathouse Plaza, The North Woods and The Ravine, The Ramble, Shakespeare Garden, Strawberry Fields, Turtle Pond Lawn, Park Drives (always leash dogs when on or crossing the drives and use marked recreation lane and crosswalks), all areas where signs requiring dogs to be leashed are posted, and All Lawns posted as 9:00 am areas.
Dogs are never allowed at: Elm Islands at the Mall, Great Lawn Oval, Hallet Nature Sanctuary, Lilac Walk, Reservoir running track, Sheep Meadow, and all ballfields and recreational courts, all playgrounds, all sand volleyball courts, all bodies of water, streams, and ornamental fountains.
Responsibility:
New York State law and New York City Health Code require that dogs be vaccinated against rabies and every dog owner carry proof of a current dog license and rabies vaccination while in public. Dog owners may be fined for violation of these laws. Leashes are to be no longer than 6 ft. in length.
Always clean up after your dog and don't let them chase wildlife, damage Park property or interfere with other Park visitors.
A few areas to enjoy off-leash hours with fellow dog owners are Harlem Meer, East Meadow, Cedar Hill and Mineral Springs.