Dog parks & leash laws
Important: Dogs must be on leash in all other City parks, trails, open space areas, and public property. Dogs are not allowed anywhere within the Leon Wurl Wildlife Sanctuary at Harper Lake. Violations of City rules may result in fines.
Community Park Dog Park
Located in the southeast corner at 955 Bella Vista Drive
Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Davidson Mesa Open Space Dog Off-leash Area
The Davidson Mesa Dog Off-Leash Area may close temporarily for maintenance or due to wet or muddy conditions. For closure information, call the HOWL Line at 303-335-HOWL (4695).
North side at McCaslin Boulevard and Washington Avenue.
Open from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset
Off-Leash Area Rules & Regulations:
- Clean up after your dog and put waste in the trash.
- Do not bring food into the off-leash area.
- Do not bring puppies younger than 4 months old.
- Children age 12 and younger must be supervised by an adult.
- The off-leash area may close at any time, with or without notice.
- Do not bring dogs that are sick, aggressive, in heat, or not current on vaccinations.
- Keep dogs on leash until they are safely inside the off-leash area.
- Put dogs back on leash before leaving the off-leash area.
- There is a limit of 3 dogs per person
- Each owner must have a leash for each dog.
- Dogs may not be left unattended.
- Wildlife may be present. Dogs and dog owners cannot chase or disturb wildlife.
Courtesy guidelines
Help keep Louisville’s dog off-leash areas safe, clean, and welcoming:
- Be considerate of others. Check to ensure interaction is welcome.
- Minimize loud noises, dogs barking or humans shouting, to prevent disruption to others, especially neighbors.
- Remind others to clean up after their pets when needed.
- Leash your dog if you notice a problem.
- Keep your dog under voice control.
- Watch your dog at all times.
- Please help us keep the dog off-leash areas SAFE and Sanitary.
For more information, contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 303-335-4735.
Dog Leash Laws
- Pets must be on 10-foot leash and under physical control at all times.
- Electronic collars (e-collars) are not allowed as a substitute for a physical leash.
- No dogs allowed at Harper Lake. Service dogs, as that term is defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act or applicable state law, are allowed. The ADA does not recognize "emotional support" animals as service dogs.
- Dog waste must be picked up and disposed of immediately.
Failure to follow Rules & Regulations may result in a fine up to $2,650. Louisville Municipal Code, Section 1.28.010