Alexandria has seven fenced dog parks and 10 off-leash exercise areas. The leash rules, where dogs can eat on patios and the dog events on the calendar.

Last checked Oct. 19, 2026. Facts come from the city’s Dog Parks in Alexandria page and dog park guide (PDF), and from Visit Alexandria’s dog-friendly guide.

Alexandria has 17 places where dogs can run off leash: seven fenced dog parks and 10 unfenced dog exercise areas marked by short posts called bollards. Everywhere else in city parks, dogs must stay on a leash. Visit Alexandria says the city was the first in Virginia certified as a “Better City for Pets” by Mars Petcare, and many shops on King Street and Mount Vernon Avenue set out water bowls.

Who to call

  • Dog bites, aggressive dogs or rule-breaking at a dog park: Alexandria Animal Control, 703-746-4774
  • Park problems: Alex311, 311 or 703-746-4311
  • Map of every dog area: the city’s interactive dog park map

Fenced dog parks

For dogs that are safer behind a fence:

  • Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Drive
  • Carlyle Dog Park
  • Duke Street Dog Park
  • Eugene Simpson Stadium Park
  • Monroe Avenue Dog Park
  • Montgomery Park
  • Mount Jefferson Park and Greenway

Inside fenced parks, children under 16 must be with an adult, food is not allowed, and only nonalcoholic drinks are permitted.

Unfenced off-leash areas

Bollards mark the edges of these areas, and unleashed dogs must stay inside them:

  • Chambliss Park
  • Chinquapin Park, 3210 King St.
  • Fort Williams Park
  • Founders Park, on the Old Town waterfront
  • Four Mile Run Park
  • Hooff’s Run Park and Greenway
  • Monticello Park
  • Tarleton Park
  • Timberbranch Parkway
  • Windmill Hill Park, 501 S. Union St., on the river

The rules

From the city’s dog parks page:

  • Dog parks and areas are open sunrise to sunset unless posted.
  • Dogs must be leashed coming in and going out, and each handler must have a leash in hand.
  • No more than three dogs per handler; dogs must be under control and in view.
  • Dogs must be at least 4 months old, licensed, vaccinated and wearing both current tags. No dogs in heat and no aggressive dogs.
  • Pick up after your dog and bin it.
  • Report any bite to Animal Control at once, and wait for an officer unless someone needs medical care.

Leash law: outside the marked dog areas, dogs in public parks must be on a leash at all times. A dog may be off leash on private property only with the property owner’s permission. The rules are set in the Alexandria City Code, including sections 5-7-35, 5-7-38, 5-7-40, 5-7-42, 5-7-47 and 6-1-2.2, which the city cites on its dog parks page. The city has also barred electronic collars as a substitute for a physical leash.

Dogs need a license; the city’s dog parks page links to the pet licensing page run by the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

Trails

For a long walk on a leash, the National Park Service’s Mount Vernon Trail runs 5.6 miles through Alexandria along the Potomac, and the city has more than 20 miles of multi-use trails. See our walking and biking trails guide.

Patios and treats

Visit Alexandria lists:

  • Doggie menus at Vola’s Dockside Grill, 101 N. Union St., and Mia’s Italian Kitchen.
  • Dog-friendly patios at Del Ray Cafe, 205 E. Howell Ave.; Southside 815, 815 S. Washington St.; Rocklands Barbecue; Chadwicks; Lost Dog Cafe; Cameron Cafe; and Hops N Shine.
  • Dog treats: frozen treats at Casa Rosada Artisan Gelato and “puppy pops” at the Dairy Godmother.

Patio rules change with the season and the weather; ask the restaurant first.

Dog events

  • ALX Dog Walk joins the city’s free Eco-City Festival for the first time, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 10, 2027, at Ben Brenman Park, with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (city listing).
  • Del Ray Halloween Parade: pets march too; see our trick-or-treat page.
  • Scottish Walk Holiday Parade, Saturday, Dec. 5, with terriers and hounds in tartan; see our Christmas parade page.
  • Dog swims: the city opens an outdoor pool to dogs at the end of summer; dates are on the aquatics page.

What this means for you

  • Always carry a leash, even at the dog park; the rules require one in hand.
  • The city points owners who worry about their dog in an open area to the fenced parks; the waterfront areas at Founders and Windmill Hill are unfenced.

Related guides: parks and trails, brunch and free things to do.

Frequently asked questions

Where are the dog parks in Alexandria, Virginia?

The city has fenced dog parks at Ben Brenman Park, Carlyle, Duke Street, Eugene Simpson Stadium Park, Monroe Avenue, Montgomery Park and Mount Jefferson Park, and unfenced off-leash areas at 10 more parks, including Windmill Hill, Founders and Four Mile Run.

Do dogs have to be on a leash in Alexandria?

Yes, in every public park that is not a marked dog exercise area. Even in dog areas, dogs must be leashed going in and out, and every handler must carry a leash.

What are the rules at Alexandria dog parks?

Open sunrise to sunset unless posted; no more than three dogs per handler; dogs at least 4 months old, licensed, vaccinated and wearing current tags; no dogs in heat; and owners must pick up after their dogs. Children under 16 need an adult inside fenced parks.

Which Alexandria restaurants allow dogs on the patio?

Visit Alexandria lists dog-friendly patios at Del Ray Cafe, Southside 815, Rocklands Barbecue, Chadwicks, Lost Dog Cafe, Cameron Cafe and Hops N Shine, and doggie menus at Vola’s Dockside Grill and Mia’s Italian Kitchen. Check with each restaurant before you go.