City dogs face things suburban dogs often don't: tight sidewalks, buses, scooters and dogs around every corner. A good dog park can be a welcome release, but city parks have firm leash rules, and the city lists only three places where dogs can run free. Here's where they are and how to make the most of them.
Richmond's Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities department lists all three as open sunrise to sunset. Off-leash dogs are allowed only in these dog parks. In the rest of the city's parks, keep your dog leashed.
Church Hill Dog Park at Chimborazo Park
- Where: 3799 Government Road, in the lower section of Chimborazo Park. The city lists it as "Bark Park."
- Layout: two areas, one for large dogs and one for small dogs, on the park's eastern lower terrace
- Hours: sunrise to sunset
- Official page: Chimborazo Park
Barker Field at Byrd Park
- Where: 1300 Blanton Avenue, at the south end near the Dogwood Dell parking lot
- Hours: sunrise to sunset
- Official page: Byrd Park
The city's Byrd Park page points to a volunteer group, Friends of Barker Field, as a park partner.
Northside Dog Park
- Where: 500 Forest Lawn Drive, behind Henderson Middle School
- Hours: sunrise to sunset
- Official listing: City facility listing
City rules to know
- Parks are open sunrise to sunset.
- Glass and alcohol are not allowed in city parks.
- No unleashed pets outside the designated dog parks.
- Service dogs are allowed in every park.
The city dog advantage: train the walk there
For many Richmond dogs, getting to the park is the hardest part: a busy sidewalk, a jogger, another dog across the street. Use that walk.
- Reward check-ins. Each time your dog looks up at you on the way, mark it and reward. You'll arrive with a dog who's already tuned in to you.
- Give space. Cross the street or step into a driveway when another dog is coming. You don't need to greet every dog on the way in.
- Arrive calm, not wound up. If your dog is pulling and whining at the gate, walk a lap around the outside first.
Inside the gate: play or trouble
Good play is loose and bouncy, with play bows, taking turns and natural pauses. Step in calmly at stiffness, hard stares, a dog trying to escape, or a group chasing one dog. Call your dog to you, reward, and take a short break by the fence. If it keeps happening, call it a day.
Etiquette
- Wait for crowds at the gate to clear.
- Unclip inside the double gate.
- Watch your dog, not your phone.
- Bring water for your dog, since the city pages don't list water at these parks.
- Pick up after your dog every time.
Who should skip the dog park
- Reactive dogs. City life is already a lot for them. Our post on reactive dog training in Richmond lays out a slower path.
- Puppies who haven't finished vaccines. Ask your vet when your puppy is ready.
- Dogs who are sick, in heat, or guard toys
Better options: a leashed sniff walk on a quiet trail, a playdate with one dog you know, or training in your own neighborhood with real-life distractions.
Vaccines, licensing and your vet
City dogs meet a lot of other dogs on sidewalks as well as in the parks, so ask your vet which vaccines and parasite prevention fit that much contact. Bring your own water, since the city pages do not list it, and call your vet if your dog seems unwell after a visit.
Before you go
- Check the city page for hours (sunrise to sunset)
- License and rabies tags on the collar
- Your vet has okayed dog park play
- Leash on for the walk there and back
- Water and waste bags
- Practice check-ins on the walk in
- No glass or alcohol
- A plan to leave if it's crowded
Outside city limits, see Henrico County dog parks at Dorey and Short Pump and Chesterfield County dog parks and rules, or our regional guide to dog parks around Richmond.
Getting started
City walks are where Richmond dogs learn the most. With in-home dog training in Richmond, we train on your own block, with real sidewalks, scooters and neighbor dogs, so the trip to Barker Field, Church Hill or Northside gets calmer.
Want calmer city walks to the park? Call or text (804) 885-2424, or book a consult.
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