Calm on the Leash

Editorial index · 91 cities ranked

Big US cities ranked by dog-park access and population density

For each big US city we show two public numbers: how many dog parks there are per 100,000 people, and how crowded the city is. We built this list for people who walk reactive dogs. It does not measure how hard your city is for your dog.

Method and limits

Each city gets two simple ranks: dog parks per 100,000 people, and people per square mile. The final rank is the average of the two, split evenly (50/50). We combine the two ranks. Cities with fewer dog parks per person and more people per square mile tend to appear nearer the top. The park counts come from one 2026 list (Trust for Public Land), copied by another website. We could not check it against the original, and parks open and close, so treat the counts as approximate, not exact. Cities missing a number, or whose count is out of date, are listed separately at the end and not ranked.

The leash notes are for information only - they do not change a city's rank. For each city we say exactly what we checked: the full law text, only part of it, an excerpt, or nothing we could verify. A length limit (like 6 ft) appears only when an official law or city page states it, with where it applies.

The ranking

Every row shows what we checked for its leash rule.

1Newark, NJ1 park · 0.32/100k13,412/sq mi

public streets and public places: leash · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Excerpt only Source ↗

Park count not confirmed: the city's largest parks are county-run, so the count may miss parks.

2Philadelphia, PA8 parks · 0.5/100k11,717/sq mi

any street, public place: leash · max 6 ft including handgrip, excluding collar (general public places; official law excerpt) Excerpt only Source ↗

3Los Angeles, CA15 parks · 0.39/100k8,223/sq mi

no animal running loose in public street, sidewalk or park (LA city code running loose provision) · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Excerpt only Source ↗

4Irvine, CA1 park · 0.31/100k4,858/sq mi

In public places (streets, sidewalks, trails, open space and similar), dogs must be on a strong leash of at most 6 ft, held by someone who can control the dog. This does not apply in an approved off-leash dog park. Full law text read Source ↗

City code Sec. 4-5-701.

5Garland, TX1 park · 0.4/100k4,390/sq mi

It is against the law to let a dog run loose. It is a legal defense if the dog was on a leash held by a person, or under the control of someone strong enough to control it. No length limit found. Full law text read Source ↗

City code Sec. 22.03 (City code).

6Baltimore, MD5 parks · 0.89/100k7,042/sq mi

running loose definition; off-leash approved activity or Rec and Parks areas/hours · max 6 ft (parks only; official law excerpt) Excerpt only Source ↗

7Milwaukee, WI5 parks · 0.89/100k5,848/sq mi

official city LRB page states Ord. 78-19 requires animals leashed or confined (page summary, not operative text) Not verified

8Buffalo, NY3 parks · 1.07/100k6,801/sq mi

parks: leash held at all times Excerpt only Source ↗

9Chicago, IL35 parks · 1.33/100k11,994/sq mi

city guide says off-leash only in dog friendly areas Not verified Source ↗

10Gilbert, AZ2 parks · 0.69/100k4,184/sq mi

public streets, parks, property: unrestrained = violation · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Excerpt only Source ↗

11Riverside, CA2 parks · 0.63/100k3,981/sq mi

public park: leash · max 6 ft (parks only; official law excerpt) Excerpt only Source ↗

12Stockton, CA3 parks · 0.93/100k5,145/sq mi

In public streets, alleys or other public places, dogs must be securely held by a rope, chain or leash, held the whole time by someone who can control the dog. Service, signal and police dogs are excepted. No length limit found. Full law text read Source ↗

City code Sec. 6.04.120.

13Arlington, TX3 parks · 0.75/100k4,196/sq mi

general (running loose definition) Not verified Source ↗

14Cleveland, OH3 parks · 0.82/100k4,678/sq mi

public place and park (unmuzzled dog held securely in leash) · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Excerpt only Source ↗

15Anaheim, CA4 parks · 1.17/100k6,782/sq mi

No verified walking rule. The section we found covers library premises only. Not verified Source ↗

Municipal code 8.04.010.

16Dallas, TX9 parks · 0.68/100k3,914/sq mi

parks: dog must be led by a person and retained by leash Excerpt only Source ↗

17Mesa, AZ3 parks · 0.57/100k3,633/sq mi

public streets, parks, property: running loose violation; city park: physical leash · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Excerpt only Source ↗

18New York, NY158 parks · 1.82/100k28,572/sq mi

any public place or open unfenced area abutting: leash or restraint · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Excerpt only Source ↗

19Omaha, NE3 parks · 0.61/100k3,419/sq mi

parks and trails: leash at all times (parks page) Not verified Source ↗

20Boston, MA13 parks · 1.96/100k13,922/sq mi

general: street or public place leash or chain · max 10 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Excerpt only Source ↗

21Seattle, WA14 parks · 1.81/100k9,343/sq mi

city page: leash in most parks; 14 off-leash areas; SMC 18 off-leash areas Excerpt only Source ↗

22Fort Worth, TX6 parks · 0.59/100k2,935/sq mi

city parks and recreation areas: leash and direct physical control Excerpt only Source ↗

23Plano, TX3 parks · 1.03/100k4,087/sq mi

A dog counts as running loose unless it is under a person's direct physical control by a tether of at most 6 ft. Authorized off-leash sites and dog parks are excluded. Full law text read Source ↗

City code Ch. 4, Art. IX, definitions ("running loose", "tether"); 6 ft limit is in the definition.

24Toledo, OH2 parks · 0.76/100k3,273/sq mi

off owner's premises: leash/harness or direct and constant control · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Excerpt only Source ↗

25Frisco, TX2 parks · 0.85/100k3,455/sq mi

running loose nuisance and physical control by leash, cord or restraint (general) Excerpt only Source ↗

26Phoenix, AZ13 parks · 0.77/100k3,213/sq mi

no dog running loose: enclosure or leash; park exception for dogs where off-leash permitted and "demonstrably under control" (auditory/visual commands) · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Excerpt only Source ↗

27Minneapolis, MN9 parks · 2.07/100k7,969/sq mi

general: dog must be effectively restrained on unfenced lots abutting public places; leashing section 64.80 (part of the text read) Excerpt only Source ↗

28Jersey City, NJ8 parks · 2.55/100k20,478/sq mi

We could not verify the leash rule here Not verified

29Chandler, AZ4 parks · 1.41/100k4,247/sq mi

Leash rule text not captured in sources checked · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Excerpt only Source ↗

30Irving, TX3 parks · 1.16/100k3,838/sq mi

city FAQ: all pets leashed and controlled at all times (walking, trails) Excerpt only Source ↗

31El Paso, TX5 parks · 0.75/100k2,639/sq mi

City code 13.24 city parks: leash-free only in designated dog parks/off-leash areas with personal supervision Excerpt only Source ↗

32San Jose, CA21 parks · 2.08/100k5,563/sq mi

parks: dogs must be on a leash; park-specific posted rules Excerpt only Source ↗

33Aurora, CO3 parks · 0.73/100k2,516/sq mi

running loose ordinance 14-5 · max 10 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Excerpt only Source ↗

34Long Beach, CA11 parks · 2.44/100k8,890/sq mi

Leash rule not verified in sources checked · max 6 ft (general public places; official city page) Not verified Source ↗

35Orlando, FL3 parks · 0.89/100k3,002/sq mi

no dog running loose on any public property Excerpt only Source ↗

36Detroit, MI12 parks · 1.92/100k4,679/sq mi

Only the definitions of running loose and stray were found; a park leash rule is listed by title (Sec. 33-1) Excerpt only Source ↗

37Miami, FL16 parks · 3.44/100k13,607/sq mi

We did not find the rule text in the sources we checked Excerpt only Source ↗

38Corpus Christi, TX2 parks · 0.63/100k1,955/sq mi

city park page: dogs must be on a leash Excerpt only Source ↗

39San Francisco, CA44 parks · 5.08/100k17,689/sq mi

RPD: dogs on leash in most parks; off-leash in 19 designated areas (park policy document) Not verified Source ↗

40Pittsburgh, PA7 parks · 2.27/100k5,555/sq mi

public places, streets, parks: leash or chain at all times · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Excerpt only Source ↗

41Glendale, AZ4 parks · 1.54/100k3,882/sq mi

parks: physically restrained by leash; city park: dogs or cats restrained · max 6 ft (parks; official city page) Excerpt only Source ↗

42Washington, DC23 parks · 3.24/100k11,348/sq mi

public recreation area: leash, tether or adequate control; dog parks excluded Excerpt only Source ↗

43Houston, TX33 parks · 1.46/100k3,742/sq mi

running loose = without direct physical control (not leash-specific) Excerpt only Source ↗

44Oklahoma City, OK3 parks · 0.42/100k1,187/sq mi

city page: confined or on leash; city parks leash except PAW Park and 2 dog parks Excerpt only Source ↗

45Tulsa, OK3 parks · 0.71/100k2,105/sq mi

off-leash park areas set by Park Board (dog park rules) · max 6 ft (parks; official city page) Not verified Source ↗

46Richmond, VA4 parks · 1.71/100k3,959/sq mi

city parks: no unleashed dog; running loose = any public property Excerpt only

47Denver, CO17 parks · 2.23/100k4,838/sq mi

subsection (c) exempts dog within designated off-leash enclosure Not verified

48St. Paul, MN9 parks · 2.85/100k5,901/sq mi

all city parks: leash; off-leash only in designated dog areas · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Excerpt only Source ↗

49New Orleans, LA3 parks · 0.8/100k2,137/sq mi

outside enclosure dogs under secure leash with owner; dog parks exempt Excerpt only Source ↗

50St. Louis, MO6 parks · 2.16/100k4,507/sq mi

public street, park, public places: leash held by responsible person (city page citing Title 10) · max 6 ft (city page; official city page) Excerpt only Source ↗

51Fresno, CA13 parks · 2.35/100k4,797/sq mi

city memo: running loose without leash and under control prohibited; secondary site cites FMC 10-308 and 10-301(b) Not verified

52San Diego, CA29 parks · 2.09/100k4,312/sq mi

city page: leash at all times except designated off-leash area; enforced in parks, canyons, trails · max 8 ft (city page; official city page) Excerpt only Source ↗

53Chula Vista, CA8 parks · 2.84/100k5,551/sq mi

Leash rule text not captured in sources checked · max 6 ft (definition of leash) (general public places; official law excerpt) Excerpt only Source ↗

54Jacksonville, FL7 parks · 0.69/100k1,362/sq mi

A leash longer than 8 ft does not count as physical control (from a definition, not a general limit). Only a definition read Source ↗

City code Ch. 462, "Physical Control" definition; only the definition was read.

55Memphis, TN5 parks · 0.81/100k2,058/sq mi

always on leash or suitable restraint; public property and sidewalks Excerpt only Source ↗

56Oakland, CA18 parks · 4.04/100k7,877/sq mi

all dogs leashed on public property incl. sidewalks, streets, parks · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Excerpt only Source ↗

57San Antonio, TX21 parks · 1.45/100k3,104/sq mi

city page: 19 off-leash dog parks Excerpt only Source ↗

58Raleigh, NC8 parks · 1.64/100k3,388/sq mi

running loose definition: leash/cage/bridle; voice command NOT sufficient (explicit) Excerpt only Source ↗

59Sacramento, CA17 parks · 3.15/100k5,438/sq mi

Off their owner's property, dogs must be restrained by a leash, tether or enclosure; the leash or tether may not be longer than 8 ft. Full law text read Source ↗

City code 9.44.020 ("running loose" definition; the 8 ft limit is in that definition). Training-class and police-assist exceptions.

60St. Petersburg, FL6 parks · 2.28/100k4,272/sq mi

areas open to public incl. parks: leash · max 6 ft (city page; official city page) Not verified Source ↗

61Atlanta, GA11 parks · 2.06/100k3,912/sq mi

parks: leash except designated areas; general: "under control" (leash, at heel or beside competent person) Excerpt only Source ↗

62Louisville, KY7 parks · 1.1/100k2,440/sq mi

off owner's premises: leash/lead under control of responsible person Excerpt only Source ↗

63Cincinnati, OH7 parks · 2.2/100k4,035/sq mi

Leash rule text not captured in sources checked · max 20 ft (parks only; official law excerpt) Excerpt only Source ↗

64Durham, NC4 parks · 1.31/100k2,617/sq mi

We could not verify the leash rule here Not verified

65North Las Vegas, NV4 parks · 1.37/100k2,817/sq mi

The code bans letting an animal run loose on public or private property. The text we read has no leash or length wording, so no leash rule or limit is stated. Full law read - partial rule Source ↗

City code Ch. 6.08, Sec. 6.08.060.

66Lincoln, NE5 parks · 1.66/100k3,016/sq mi

In city parks, dogs may not run loose (loose = not under control by leash, cord, chain or enclosure), except in areas the Parks director designates. Parks only. A separate city Health Department page states a 6 ft leash limit; that page is not law text and is shown separately. Full law read - parks only Source ↗

Park code 12.08.180 (full text read); 6 ft limit from the city Animal Ordinances page.

67Austin, TX19 parks · 1.85/100k3,072/sq mi

general public areas, restraint required except areas under 3-4-4 Excerpt only Source ↗

68Greensboro, NC4 parks · 1.3/100k2,306/sq mi

parks: may not run running loose; direct supervision and control Not verified

69Kansas City, MO5 parks · 0.96/100k1,656/sq mi

running loose; "off-leash area" provision exists Not verified Source ↗

70Virginia Beach, VA5 parks · 1.09/100k1,854/sq mi

city park, sidewalk, street: leash or lead at all times (City Code 5-531) Excerpt only Source ↗

71Lubbock, TX3 parks · 1.11/100k1,924/sq mi

running loose defined in public nuisance Not verified Source ↗

72Winston-Salem, NC3 parks · 1.16/100k1,926/sq mi

ordinance PDF and NC state text: dog off premises must be under control of competent person and restrained by leash, chain, rope or adequate physical control Not verified

73Portland, OR39 parks · 5.87/100k4,758/sq mi

parks: leash · max 8 ft (parks only; official law excerpt) Excerpt only Source ↗

74Colorado Springs, CO8 parks · 1.58/100k2,451/sq mi

general: parks and public place, restrain by confinement, collar and leash; park premises: dogs led/carried, not loose Excerpt only Source ↗

75Reno, NV5 parks · 1.76/100k2,602/sq mi

city page: leashed at all times in public spaces except designated areas (2: Virginia Lake, Whitaker) Not verified

76Scottsdale, AZ3 parks · 1.2/100k1,321/sq mi

public streets, parks, school property: running loose violation; leash defined · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Excerpt only Source ↗

77Nashville, TN10 parks · 1.37/100k1,516/sq mi

city park page: leashed dogs welcome in all Metro Parks · max 6 ft, non-retractable (parks only; official law excerpt) Excerpt only Source ↗

78Wichita, KS8 parks · 1.99/100k2,461/sq mi

park property: leash at all times, under full control Excerpt only Source ↗

79Tampa, FL16 parks · 3.91/100k3,639/sq mi

city page: dogs leashed outside designated dog park per city ordinance Excerpt only Source ↗

80Madison, WI11 parks · 3.82/100k3,445/sq mi

parks: leashed, licensed dogs welcome in most parks, with permit; prohibited locations listed · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Not verified Source ↗

81Port St. Lucie, FL5 parks · 2.05/100k2,249/sq mi

Outside the owner's property, pets must be under restraint: on a leash controlled by someone who can control the pet. Voice command does not count. No length limit found. Full law text read Source ↗

City code Ch. 92 (Sec. 92.01 definitions, Sec. 92.03).

82Bakersfield, CA10 parks · 2.39/100k2,809/sq mi

In city parks, dogs may not run loose or be on a chain or leash longer than 6 ft, except in designated, posted areas. Parks only; this is not a citywide street rule. The section was amended effective October 16, 2026. Full law read - parks only Source ↗

Municipal code 12.56.050(G).

83Huntsville, AL4 parks · 1.7/100k1,045/sq mi

parks (non-sports): leash Excerpt only Source ↗

84Tucson, AZ13 parks · 2.38/100k2,264/sq mi

public streets, sidewalks, parks, public property: leash · max 6 ft (general public places; official law excerpt) Excerpt only Source ↗

85Albuquerque, NM30 parks · 5.3/100k2,972/sq mi

We did not find the rule text in the sources we checked Excerpt only Source ↗

86Laredo, TX8 parks · 3.09/100k2,523/sq mi

no official text found Not verified

87Chesapeake, VA5 parks · 1.94/100k754/sq mi

park areas: leash · max 5 ft (general public places except dog parks; official law excerpt) Excerpt only Source ↗

88Henderson, NV20 parks · 5.7/100k2,931/sq mi

any public property, street, park: confined or on a leash Excerpt only Source ↗

89Boise, ID22 parks · 9.07/100k2,820/sq mi

general public: leash required Excerpt only Source ↗

90Lexington, KY8 parks · 2.45/100k1,162/sq mi

Fayette County: leash, fence or owner property at all times Not verified Source ↗

91Anchorage, AK9 parks · 3.14/100k168/sq mi

We did not find the rule text in the sources we checked Excerpt only Source ↗

Not ranked

Listed openly: six cities have no 2026 park count in the source we used, two are counted at county level, and one city's count is out of date. Counts from city websites use each city's own definition and cannot be compared.

Cape Coral, FL1 park2,226/sq mi