Visiting with Your Dog

New York City’s dogs love Central Park. To ensure visitors and pets alike stay safe, dog owners must follow the rules as outlined by NYC Parks.

OFF-LEASH HOURS

Dogs must be on-leash daily from 9:00 am–9:00 pm. Off-leash hours are from 6:00 am–9:00 am and 9:00 pm–1:00 am, with the following exceptions:

Even during off-leash hours, dogs must always be leashed in these locations:

• 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
• Other areas where signs requiring dogs to be leashed are posted

Dogs are never allowed in the these locations:

• 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
• Stephanie and Fred Shuman Running Track
• Sheep Meadow

VISIT RESPONSIBLY

• Dogs must always be under the control of their owner.
• Dogs must have a NYC license tag and valid rabies tag.
• Dogs must not dig, chase, or harm wildlife; damage Park property; or interfere with other Park users.
• Always clean up after your dog, including dog hair that you brush off in the Park.
• Please respect signs, fences, and red flags that may indicate temporary closure due to restoration, maintenance, or weather conditions.
• These rules are part of the NYC legal code; dog owners may be fined for any violation.

In the event that you happen upon a lost dog or your dog goes missing, please contact the Animal Care Centers of NYC.