Dogs in Central Park

A guide to Central Park’s official dog rules and responsible pet etiquette.

Dogs are welcome throughout Central Park, and thousands of walkers and pups visit every day. This page explains the official rules you and your dog must follow, as well as some simple etiquette tips that help keep everyone — people, pets, and plants — safe and happy.

Leash Rules and Off-Leash Hours

Dogs are welcome in most areas of Central Park (exceptions below), but must be leashed from 9:00 AM–9:00 PM. Off-leash hours are 6:00–9:00 AM and 9:00 PM–1:00 AM.

Areas Where Dogs Must Always Be Leashed

Even during off-leash hours, dogs must always be leashed in the following areas:

  • Arthur Ross Pinetum
  • Bridle Path
  • Cedar Hill
  • Children’s Glade (Great Hill area)
  • Conservatory Garden
  • East Green
  • East Meadow Oval
  • Kerbs Boathouse Plaza
  • North Woods
  • The Ramble
  • Shakespeare Garden
  • Strawberry Fields
  • Turtle Pond Lawn
  • Park Drives (always leash dogs when on or crossing the drives and use marked recreation lanes and crosswalks)
  • All areas where signs requiring dogs to be leashed are posted
  • All lawns posted as 9:00 AM areas

Areas Where Dogs Are Not Allowed

Dogs are never allowed in the following areas:

  • All ballfields and recreational courts
  • All playgrounds
  • All sand volleyball courts
  • All water bodies, streams and ornamental fountains
  • Elm Islands at the Mall
  • Great Lawn Oval
  • Hallett Nature Sanctuary
  • Nell Singer Lilac Walk
  • Sheep Meadow
  • Stephanie and Fred Shuman Running Track

Legal Rules and Regulations

To help protect Central Park’s landscapes and wildlife and ensure a positive experience for everyone:

  • Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies, and owners must carry proof of a current dog license and rabies vaccination while in public.
  • Dogs must be on a leash (no longer than 6 feet in length) at all times, except in dog runs and in designated off‑leash areas during official off‑leash hours.
  • Owners must pick up after their dogs and dispose of waste in appropriate receptacles.
  • Dogs must not chase or harass wildlife or other animals in the park.
  • Dogs are not permitted in playgrounds, zoos, fountains, ballfields, on basketball, handball, or tennis courts, or in swimming pools and related facilities.

Etiquette and Park-Friendly Behavior

  • Be mindful of other visitors and keep your dog close in crowded areas and on narrow paths.
  • Do not allow your dog to urinate on tree pits or plantings, which can damage trees and other vegetation.
  • Do not let your dog dig on lawns or landscaped areas.
  • Keep your dog on a short leash when crossing park drives or in busy areas to avoid accidents.
  • During the summer months, toxins from algae blooms in some bodies of water can be especially dangerous for dogs. Keep dogs away from all ponds, lakes, streams, and ornamental fountains, and follow all posted advisories.

Central Park can be a wonderful place for you and your dog as long as you follow the rules, respect other park-goers, and help protect the park’s landscapes and wildlife.

Where to Enjoy Time with Your Dog

For ideas on where to go with your pup, visit our guide to the Best Places to Bring Your Dog.