If a dog is part of your family, you’ll be excited to know that Albuquerque is home to many off-leash dog parks! The Duke City knows how to take care of our four-legged friends, offering parks with a variety of amenities to help get Duke and Duchess out of the house and playing with canine companions.
Quick Links
Dog Park Basics
If you’ve never been to a dog park, you should know some basics. First, it may be overwhelming for your pet the first time, especially if the park is busy. You may want to “test drive” a park by going when there are fewer dogs present so you and your dog can get the feel for the place.
Your dog may be excited or even stressed (watch for panting and drooling as signs of stress), but if you and your dog calm down before entering, the transition may be better. Know that dogs already at the park will likely head for the entry gate upon spotting you. Wait until they get bored and wander away before entering so your dog isn’t overwhelmed by their spirited welcome.
Some dog parks have separate play areas for small and large dogs. This helps keep small pups from being hurt by playing with much larger canines. Of course, there are plenty of small dogs with a tough guy attitude who blend right in with the big dogs!
Once inside the park, keep an eye on your dog. You are responsible for cleaning up what your dog “deposits.” Some of the parks are large, so make sure you’re tracking your dog and are close enough to intervene if there is a problem. You want to see how your dog is interacting with others. Expect some running and rough-and-tumble play but watch for raised hackles and growling.
Some parks have plenty of dog toys around and some people bring their dog’s balls or fetch toys with them. Keep an eye out for guarding behavior that may lead to a fight over a toy. City regulations require that dogs displaying aggressive behavior must be leashed and removed from the dog park.
Of course, if your dog is in heat, don’t bring her to the park. The City of Albuquerque Parks Department does not allow either females in heat or unneutered males to visit dog parks (see their complete list of rules below). Pups must be at least six months old and should be current on vaccinations to visit the park.
Some dog parks provide water, and others do not. Plus, park water is turned off in winter, so it’s a good idea to bring your own. Some parks provide shade structures or have natural shade from trees. If you want to give your dog some extra activity, some of these parks even have agility equipment you can try with your pup!
Dog parks are a great way to burn off extra energy and socialize with other dogs while giving dog owners the opportunity to visit with other dog-loving people. Just be responsible, keep an eye on your dog, and pick up all those deposits to make it an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Albuquerque Dog Parks
City of Albuquerque Dog Park hours are from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Bud Warren & Lady Dog Park
10001 Universe NW at County Meadows Park
This popular dog park is large with natural terrain and plants, agility obstacles, and three separate areas (large dogs, small dogs, and a leashed walking area). This park does provide water except in winter.
Canine Skyline Dog Park
12700 Montgomery NE
Enjoy mountain views while the dogs play in the wood chip-covered park. Benches and water are available here.
Coronado Dog Park
301 McKnight NW
Water is provided.
Cottonwood Mall Dog Park
1000 Coors Bypass NW
Unlike the rest of the dog parks listed, this is not a city-operated dog park. Find this park right at Cottonwood Mall near the Conn’s HomePlus entrance. It offers small individual dog runs, small and large dog play areas, and agility equipment. Other amenities include a cell phone charging station, a coin-operated grooming station, and vending machines for treats and tennis balls.
Kirtland Dog Park
2903 University Blvd SE
This park does not have water. Watch for goat’s head stickers.
Los Altos Park
821 Eubank NE
Small and large dogs have their own play areas, but no water is provided. The park has lights for nighttime visits.
Montessa Park
3615 Los Picaros SE
This fenced area is desert land. No water is provided.
North Domingo Baca
7520 Corona NE
This park has woodchip ground cover, plenty of room to run, and water. This park offers separate play areas for large and small dogs and has shade. If you’re there late, there are lights.
Ouray Dog Park
7500 Ouray NW
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
The ground here is dirt and gravel, and water is available. Your pooch may want to try out the agility equipment or cool off in a kiddie pool.
Rio Grande Triangle Park
1451 Kit Carson SE
At this park, you’ll find a mix of grass, boulders, and sidewalks plus lights for evening visits. There are benches and chairs for the humans to rest while the pups burn off their energy. Water is available.
Roosevelt Park
500 Spruce SE
Note that, unlike the rest, this large park is not fenced, although water is available. Roosevelt Park has different hours, too: It is open 6 – 10 a.m. Monday through Friday (except holidays), April 1 to September 30, and 7 – 11 a.m., October 1 to March 31.
Santa Fe Village Dog Park
5700 Bogart NW
This park has water, benches, and shade plus separate areas for large and small dogs. The park has lights for nighttime visits.
Tom Bolack Urban Forest Park
2000 Dakota NE
This park has separate small and large dog areas. There’s a shade canopy with a picnic table and trees. Water is available and parking is in a residential neighborhood.
Tower Pond Park
Tower SW and 86th SW
Wood chip area with a bench and shade cover. Water is not available.
USS Bullhead Park
1606 San Pedro SE
Water is not available. The park has lights for nighttime play.
Westgate Dog Park
Cartagena & Valley View
This spacious park has convenient parking and lights for after-dark visits. Water is not available.
City of Albuquerque Dog Park Rules
- Park users and dog owners assume all risks related to dog park use.
- Dog handlers must have a leash in their possession at all times.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash until inside the double-gated entry. Enter the first gate with the leash on and remove it prior to entering the second gate. Do the reverse when leaving.
- Dogs must be under voice control and in sight of handlers at all times.
- Any dog exhibiting aggressive behavior must be leashed and removed immediately.
- Owners must clean up and properly dispose of waste left by their dog(s).
- Puppies using the park must be older than six months.
- Limit of three dogs per person per visit.
- Owners must cover any holes their dogs dig.
- Unneutered male dogs and female dogs in heat shall not be permitted in the off-leash dog exercise area.
- Children younger than 12 are not allowed inside the off-leash dog exercise area unless accompanied by an adult. Parents must refrain from bringing toddlers and small children to the dog park and at no time be allowed to run with, or chase after dogs in the park.
- No food or drinks are allowed within the fenced area.
- Each owner or handler is legally and financially responsible for the actions of their dog in the off-leash exercise area.
Source: City of Albuquerque Website
