Explore the most popular dog friendly parks in Jozi. 

Everyone knows the best parks in Joburg, but do you know of the ones that allow dogs? You don’t want to arrive at the park only to be told that your pooch is not welcome, so we’ve put together a list to make things easy for you. Johannesburg has some beautiful parks where trained and socialised dogs can run, explore and meet other canine friends. Check out dog-friendly parks near me.  

Walkhaven

Walkhaven gets the number one spot because they really cater strongly to our four legged friends. With a dedicated pet friendly restaurant (The Walkhaven Kitchen), bar (The Dog Box) as well as a top notch kennel (Jurassic Bark Kennel), Walkhaven just can’t be beaten for a dog loving family’s day out of the house. The farm itself boasts 22 hectares of grassland and is a stone’s throw from the Cradle of Humankind. A must for dog lovers!

Address: Plot 77, Zwartkop, Johannesburg
Open Hours: Seven days a week 08h00 to 18h00
Click here for more information. 

Marais Steyn Park

This park isn’t spectacular by a long shot but has a nice stretch of land for your dogs to exercise and caters to those of you living east of the city. There is a lot of bird life around a small wetland for those of you into a little bird watching. There is also a skating bowl, which happens to be one of Joburg’s best kept skateboarding secrets which the kids will enjoy.

Address: Corner Cork Avenue and Beech Avenue, Edenvale
Open hours: Open all day seven days a week

The Wilds

Arguably Joburg’s most beautiful park, The Wilds has been declared a National Monument and strangely sits in the dead centre of urban Johannesburg. This jaw dropping park is open for walking tours during the summer months and you can bring your dog provided it’s on a leash.

Address: Parking is available on the corner of Houghton Drive and St. Patricks, Houghton
Open Hours The park is open during business hours weekdays and weekends but the best way to visit the park is by organising a tour
Contact: 011 643 2313

Sandton Field and Study Centre

A huge fenced-off piece of land with the added bonus of security where dogs can run wild to their hearts content. Horses inhabit the land across from the park which always has the dogs inquisitive and enjoying themselves. This park is situated close to the Sandton CBD which makes it a nice one for the northern suburbs crowd. There is a café on the property called River Café – great atmosphere and lovely meals.

Address: Off Rivonia Road, Sandton
Open Hours: Call for more info
Contact: 011 783 2442

Faerie Glen Nature Reserve, Pretoria

This one is for our readers from Pretoria, but is also possibly one of the best places for a dog walk in Gauteng. The land is tidy and absolutely massive with bridges to cross streams and lots of walking tours to choose from. Dogs are required to be on a lead but with the size of the area you may get away with letting them off for a quick run.

Address: General Louis Botha Road, Faerie Glen, Pretoria
Open Hours: 06h00 to 18h00 all week
Contact: 012 348 1265/6

A few more ideas:

Gillooly’s Farm – Gillooly’s Farm is a big winner when it comes to walking your dogs (thanks to Larry in the comment section for reminding me). Read the comment below for his personal experience regarding this. 011 453 2207.

George Lea Park – In Hurlingham, they allow for dog walks.

Hugh Wyndham Park – In Dunkeld, they allow for dogs and is a great spot for picnicking etc.

Cheltondale Park – Near Norwood Mall, this park is popular with people in the area for dog walking. There is also a children’s play area.

9 Reasons Why a Visiting Dog Park Is Good for You

There are several benefits a dog park has to offer as far as your pet is concerned. It gives it an opportunity to be free of a leash, an opportunity to be able to roam in a large area instead of being confined to a small fenced-in area or enclosure and it also gives it an opportunity to socialize with other dogs, and with other people as well.

1. Fresh air is good for everyone
2. Taking a break for yourself 
3. No leash gives your dog freedom to play and run
4. Socializing. Your social life improves as you build a community of dog owners.
5. Dogs help you feel less stressed and improve your mental health by fighting depression and anxiety.
6. You’ll exercise more often with daily dog walks
7. Builds a dog-friendly network
8. A dog park reduces troublesome behavior from canines
9. Homeowners are happier and healthier

Exercise and socialization lead to better behaved pets.

A visit to a dog park can benefit both you and your pet. If you enjoy fresh air, exercise, meeting people, and watching dogs at play - consider making it a habit. Dog parks let dogs socialize with other dogs and get some exercise while they're at it.

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Sources: 

https://joburg.co.za/dog-friendly-parks/

https://www.aaastateofplay.com/