City of Palo Alto Dog Parks
Mitchell Park
Mitchell Park Dog Park (0.56 acres) provides a large open area for dogs and includes both grass and decomposed granite surfacing. Site amenities include benches, water hose bib and trash receptacles.
A proposed expansion of the dog park will increase the area to (.82 acres) and add a new small dog park area (0.1 acres) and is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year of 2023.
Peers Park
Peers Park Dog Park is the newest dog park in Palo Alto constructed in 2018 and is also the largest dog park in the city (0.84 acres). The park features a large open area as well as a long ball retrieval area, along with a separate small dog area and has wood mulch surfacing. Site amenities include Adirondack seating, water hose bid, trash receptacle and a lot of shade.
Greer Park
Greer Park Dog Park a small scale dog park (0.06 acre) features decomposed granite surface. Site amenities include seating and trash receptacle.
Hoover Park
Hoover Park Dog Park (.14) provides and open area with grass and mulch surfacing and lots of shade. Site amenities include seating and trash receptacles.
Dogs in City Parks Policy
All dogs must be always leashed while in Palo Alto Parks and Preserves. Dogs may only be off leash while in a dedicated dog park areas.
- Palo Alto Municipal Code: 6.16.100 Leash required.*
No person owning or harboring any dog shall allow or permit such dog, whether licensed or not, to be upon a public street, sidewalk, park, school ground, public place or upon any unenclosed lot or land except when held under leash by an able-bodied person. Violation of this section shall be an infraction.
- Park and Open Space Regulations R1-30. ANIMALS
D. Bring into or maintain in or upon any park facility any dog, cat or other animal unless such animal at all times is kept on a leash (extended no further than six (6) feet while in Open Space lands) and under full control of its owner or custodian; provided, however, the Director may designate areas and times within which persons may exercise, show, demonstrate or train unleashed animals under full control or their owners or custodians. No person shall allow a dog, cat, or domesticated animal, even if leashed, to disturb, chase, molest, injure, or take any kind of native wildlife, whether living or dead, or remove, destroy, or in any manner disturb the natural habitat of any animal on Parks or Open Space land. PAMC 22.04.155
- Park and Open Space Regulations R1-32. DOG EXERCISE AREA
A. Dogs may be allowed off leash only within the designated dog exercise areas in Hoover Park, Greer Park, Mitchell Park, and Peers Park.
B. Dogs must be licensed, vaccinated, and wearing a collar with ID and license tag.
C. Dogs must be leashed until safely inside the dog park and returned to a leash prior to exiting.
D. Dog owners must remain in the fenced area and monitor and manage their dogs at all times.
E. Dogs behaving aggressively must be removed from the dog park immediately.
F. Dog waste must be picked up.
G. Children accompanying dog owners must be closely supervised.
H. No more than three dogs per person.
I. No food or alcohol.
J. The small dog section is for dogs 25lb and less. The mixed size dog section is for both large and small dogs. (Applicable at dog parks with this option.)
K. Dog Park Hours are 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
L. The City of Palo Alto assumes no liability for the users of this area. Use these facilities at your own risk.
New Dog Parks Projects
Mitchell Park Dog Park Expansion (Coming 2023)
A proposed expansion of the dog park will increase the area to (0.82 acres) and add a new small dog park area (0.1 acres) and is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year of 2023.
Boulware Park Renovation
Boulware Park is schedule for a full renovation and a new amenity to the park will be the addition of a dog park. The new dog park (0.5 acres) will be an open rectangular space with wood mulch surfacing. Site amenities will include seating and trash receptacle.
Community Partners
Friend of Palo Alto Dog Owners