Have a Pooch? Head to Miami Dog Parks

Dogs are welcome at most places in Miami -- restaurants, shops and even churches -- but especially at the many Miami dog parks. If Fido wants to run and play with other pooches, owners should head to one of the many pet-friendly "paw" parks. The following list of 18 Miami dog parks explains the difference between "Dog Friendly" and "Bark Park."

There are three types of dog parks in Miami-Dade County: 13 “Dog Friendly Parks” for leashed dogs; four “Dog Parks” (aka "Bark Parks") where dogs can go off-leash; and a “Dog Run Park” where dogs can run freely but there are no frills like water facilities, waste baskets or play equipment for dogs like at the dog parks.

Bark Parks have some basic rules regarding behavior and what is allowed. There is a limit of three dogs per owner and owners must not bring dogs that are in heat, have fleas or don't have their own rabies tag. Puppies under 4 months old and pitbulls are not welcome.

Parks are open sunrise to sunset and some require an entrance fee to enter.

Dog Friendly Parks (leashes, valid registration and proof of vaccination required):

1) Acadia Park -- 5351 NW 195 Drive, Miami, FL 33055, 305-621-2461

2) Biscayne Shores & Gardens Park -- 11525 NE 14th Ave., Miami, FL 33161, 305-770-3125

3) Deerwood Bonita Lakes Park -- 14445 SW 122 Ave., Miami, FL 33186, 305-386-0227

4) Kevin Broils Park -- 26150 SW 125 Ave., Miami, FL 33032, 305-233-3150

5) Kings Meadow Park -- 10036 SW 142 Ave., Miami, FL 33186, 305-386-0227

6) Rockdale Park -- 9325 SW 146 St., Miami, FL 33176, 305-274-9666

7) San Jacinto -- 4430 SW 15 Terrace, Miami, FL 33134, 305-666-5883

8) Snapper Creek Park -- 10280 SW 80 St., Miami, FL 33173, 305-666-5883

9) Spanish Lake Park -- 19405 NW 82 Ave., Miami, FL 33015, 305-622-2594

10) West Kendale Lakes -- 6400 Kendale Lakes Drive, Miami, FL 33183, 305-385-4750

11) Olympic Park -- 8601 SW 152 Ave., Miami, FL 33193, 305-385-4750

12) Military Trail Park -- 825 NE 89th St., Miami, FL 33138

13) Tamiami Trail Park -- 12760 SW 6 St., Miami, FL 33184, 305-222-2194

Dog Parks (fenced-off area for dogs to run unleashed, shade structures, hosing stations, water fountains and equipment for dogs to play with and perform stunts):

1) Dog Park at Haulover Park -- 10800 Collins Ave., Miami, FL 33141, 305-947-3525.

2) Bark Park at Amelia Earhart Park -- 401 E. 65 St., Miami, FL 33013, 305-685-8389.

3) Northeast Regional Dog Park at East Greynolds Park -- 16700 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33160, 305-945-3425.

4) Tropical Park - 7900 SW 40 St., Miami, FL 33155, 305-226-8316.

Dog Run Park (no leashes required, but no frills either)

1) Lago Mar Park -- 8165 SW 162 Ave., Miami, FL 33193, 305-385-4750.

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Posted on December 12, 2011 by Margaret Matia Rankovic

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