Which Washington dog parks are small?

Dock 79 & The Maren Dog Park, Shaw Dog Park — 2 of 25 parks tracked in Washington, DC match separate small-dog areas for pups under 25 lb.

Are these Washington dog parks free to use?

Yes. Every park listed here is a public off-leash area open to the community — no membership or day pass. A few county parks ask that dogs be licensed and current on vaccinations.

When is the best time to visit a Washington dog park?

Weekday mornings and the hour before sunset are the calmest windows. Weekend mornings are the busiest and the most social — check the "right now" activity on each park page before you go.

Washington, DC

Small Dog Parks in Washington, DC

2 small dog parks in Washington, DC — separate small-dog areas for pups under 25 lb. Checked and reviewed by local dog owners, with live mud reports and who's showing up today.

PrivateNot open to the public

Dry & Firm

Dock 79 & The Maren Dog Park

Also known as Capitol Riverfront Resident Dog Run

79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

A tidy turf dog run tucked into the Dock 79 and The Maren riverfront apartment community along the Anacostia. Artificial turf, rinse station and separate small-dog space make it a favorite for residents, and it stays usable right after rain.

Fully FencedSmall Dog AreaWater Access+2 more

Off-leash dog park

4.4(19)

Some Mud

Shaw Dog Park

1673 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

A compact but beloved fenced dog park at 11th and Rhode Island Ave NW, run by DC Parks & Recreation in partnership with the volunteer Shaw Dog Park Association. Two separate enclosures mean small dogs get their own space away from the big-dog scrum. It sits right in the middle of Shaw, so it doubles as the neighborhood's unofficial front porch.

Fully FencedSmall Dog AreaDouble Gate Entry+1 more

Off-leash dog park

4.2(250)

These parks serve 20001, 20003 and the neighborhoods around them.

Other ways to search Washington

Small Dog Parks elsewhere in the DMV

Local questions, answered

Which Washington dog parks are small?: Dock 79 & The Maren Dog Park, Shaw Dog Park — 2 of 25 parks tracked in Washington, DC match separate small-dog areas for pups under 25 lb.
Are these Washington dog parks free to use?: Yes. Every park listed here is a public off-leash area open to the community — no membership or day pass. A few county parks ask that dogs be licensed and current on vaccinations.
When is the best time to visit a Washington dog park?: Weekday mornings and the hour before sunset are the calmest windows. Weekend mornings are the busiest and the most social — check the "right now" activity on each park page before you go.