West Palm Beach's dog park is at Dreher Park; the county's Pooch Pines is at Okeeheelee. City code requires a leash in parks and on public rights-of-way.
Last checked Oct. 10, 2026. Facts come from the City of West Palm Beach parks listing and Code of Ordinances, Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation and each organizer’s own page. Updated when a park or rule changes.
West Palm Beach has one city dog park, at Dreher Park, and Palm Beach County runs a bigger one, Pooch Pines, at Okeeheelee Park just west of the city. Everywhere else in city parks and on sidewalks, dogs must be on a leash. A few of the city’s best-known outdoor places do not allow pets at all, so check the list below before you load the car.
Who to call
- Loose, lost or dangerous dog: Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, 561-233-1200
- City parks: Parks and Recreation, 561-804-4900
- County dog parks, to report an incident: 561-252-1714
Dog parks
| Dog park | Address | Run by |
|---|---|---|
| Dreher Park dog park | 5701 Dreher Trail South | City of West Palm Beach |
| Pooch Pines, Okeeheelee Park | 7715 Forest Hill Blvd. | Palm Beach County |
| Lake Woof, John Prince Memorial Park | Lake Worth | Palm Beach County |
At Dreher Park, the city lists its dog park with a disc golf course, fishing pier, playground, pavilions and walking and biking trails, according to the parks listing. The Palm Beach Zoo is inside the park. Questions: Parks and Recreation, 561-804-4900.
Pooch Pines is open sunrise to sunset and closed Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m. for maintenance, the county says. County dog park rules, from its dog parks page:
- Dogs on a leash going in and out, and the handler keeps a leash in hand at all times.
- Two dogs per person; large dogs stay out of the small-dog area.
- Dogs must be vaccinated and display current licenses; no puppies under 4 months and no females in heat.
- No food of any kind inside, and no smoking in the fenced areas.
- Pick up after your dog; bags are in dispensers in the park.
- Children 10 and under must be closely supervised.
The leash rule
The city’s Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14, Sec. 14-31, makes it unlawful to let a dog be in any city park or public right-of-way unless it is held on a leash. A dog found running at large in those places can be impounded. Countywide animal rules, including the ban on tethering dogs outdoors, are in Palm Beach County’s Animal Care and Control ordinance.
Where dogs cannot go
| Place | Rule |
|---|---|
| Grassy Waters Preserve | “No pets of any kind”; service animals allowed |
| Palm Beach Zoo | No pets; service animals allowed |
| Manatee Lagoon | No pets; service animals allowed |
Dog events
- Dachstoberfest, a dog-friendly fundraiser for Dachshund Rescue South Florida, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Waterfront Commons. Details.
- Yappy Hour HOWL-o-ween Party, with a pop-up dog park, Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, 4 to 7 p.m. on the 300 block of Clematis Street, hosted by Clematis Paws with the Downtown Development Authority. Details.
- Pooch Parade at CityPlace Fall Fest, Oct. 24 and 25, 2026, on The Lawn. Details.
More dated events are on our things to do this month page.
Patios and shops
Whether a dog can sit with you on a restaurant patio is up to the restaurant; ask when you book. Know a West Palm Beach restaurant, brewery or shop that welcomes dogs and says so on its own website? Tell us through our contact page and we will check it and add it.
What this means for you
- Off-leash play: Dreher Park in the city, Pooch Pines out west.
- Everywhere else in city parks and on sidewalks, keep the leash on.
- Leave your dog at home for Grassy Waters, the zoo and Manatee Lagoon.
Related: walking and biking trails, parks and trails and free things to do.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the dog park in West Palm Beach?
The city lists a dog park at Dreher Park, 5701 Dreher Trail South, alongside a disc golf course, fishing pier and walking trails. Palm Beach County’s Pooch Pines is at Okeeheelee Park, 7715 Forest Hill Blvd., west of the city.
Do dogs have to be on a leash in West Palm Beach?
Yes, in city parks and on public rights-of-way. City code Sec. 14-31 makes it unlawful to let a dog be in a city park or public right-of-way unless it is on a leash, and a dog running at large there can be impounded.
Can I bring my dog to Grassy Waters Preserve?
No. The city says no pets of any kind are allowed in the preserve; service animals are allowed. Pets are also not allowed at the Palm Beach Zoo or Manatee Lagoon.
What are the Pooch Pines dog park hours?
Sunrise to sunset, closed Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m. for maintenance, according to Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation.
Who do I call about a loose or dangerous dog in West Palm Beach?
Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, 7100 Belvedere Road, at 561-233-1200.
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