In my experience, most pet parents don't know huge indoor dog parks even exist. And to be honest, before I entered the pet space, I didn't either. If this is your first introduction to these fantastic playgrounds, you're in for an absolute delight! I've compiled a list of 10 such wow-worthy parks across the United States where your dogs can have a ridiculously good time — but don't be shy about looking for one closer to home. You might be surprised that there's one in your own back yard!
3,000 Square Feet of Indoor Dog Fun
JB's Indoor Dog Park, located in Norwell, Massachusetts, offers 3,000 square feet of off-leash, climate-controlled fun. This indoor park was featured as one of America's best indoor dog parks by BringFido! The park's sizeable area is specifically designed to cater to the needs of dogs of all sizes and breeds, giving them plenty of space for running, jumping, and socializing with other dogs in a safe and controlled environment.
What Customers Think
As of January 2024, there are 83 Google reviews with a rating of 4.8 out of 5!
Guests commented that they enjoyed:
- How clean the indoor park is
- The perfect spot to host birthday parties for their pups
- Excellent staff
- Great for high-energy breeds
- Dog-loving owner
Before Your Visit
This park requests that only dogs with good temperaments be permitted to play. They also require vaccinations to be up-to-date. Two dogs per owner are permitted, and a brief form showing your dog's health record must be completed before arrival.
An Indoor/Outdoor Dog Park With a Pool
Lucky Paws Pet Resort in Freedom, Pennsylvania, has both indoor and outdoor activities, including a huge swimming area for dogs to splash around in the water during the warm months. The indoor area offers a dog park with an agility course, a pet spa, daycare, and dog training.
What Customers Think
As of January 2024, there are 83 Google reviews with a rating of 4.8 out of 5! Guests commented that they enjoyed:
- Beautiful, clean park
- Excellent groomers
- Acres of room to roam
- Owners know all the dogs theirs are playing with are vet-checked
Before Your Visit
There aren't any breed restrictions here, but if your dog is visiting during public hours, they must get along with other dogs. If they get nervous being around too much activity or too many dogs at once, you can rent your own private space ahead of time. Dogs must also have a current fecal exam that shows a negative test for internal parasites as well as a negative test for giardia. All male dogs 12 months of age and up must be neutered to visit.
Where Coworking Goes to the Dog (Park)
Work and Woof in Austin, Texas, offers a space for you, or you and your office staff, to work while your dog plays or lies next to you. There's Google Fiber internet, a conference table, whiteboards, office supplies, and pretty much everything else you need in an effective office environment. With 4,000 square feet of play space, dogs of all sizes can enjoy socializing with their puppy buddies.
What Customers Think
According to Google reviews, dog owners love:
- Knowledgeable staff that can recommend other businesses where additional services, like dog sitting, are available
- It makes the workday enjoyable
- A photo booth to take photos together
- This park consistently donates to charities to improve the community
- Friendly, attentive staff
Before Your Visit
There's a membership portal where you must upload vaccination records along with proof your dog is spayed or neutered. A liability waiver must also be signed prior to entry. Like many other dog parks, your dog needs to be friendly to other dogs and must pass a temperament test.
If you're not good with computers, simply walk in and the staff will help you register.
Indoor Dog Park and Restaurant Combined
The Pack, in Comstock Park, Michigan, is the state's first indoor off-leash dog park. On top of a play park for dogs of all sizes, dog lovers can enjoy the restaurant with a long menu and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options. They're known to have the best fish tacos and french fries you can find in the area. They also offer services like doggy daycare and dog training.
What Customers Think
According to reviews on Google, this park:
- Offers peace of mind with their strict review of the requirements to enter
- Has welcoming, professional staff
- Is a great family environment where your kids can come enjoy a good meal
- Has great drinks and delicious food
If you don't have your own dog at the moment, you can visit the park without the cost of admission to watch the dogs and enjoy a good meal.
Before Your Visit
To enter the park, dogs must be current on their rabies, DHLPP/Da2PP, and Bordatella vaccinations. They also need to be friendly around other dogs and spayed or neutered if they're over 12 months old. Before you visit, make sure to register them on the website and send in proof of vaccination.
Indoor Heated Pools for Puppy Play
Wag N' Paddle in Naperville, Illinois, offers three in-ground heated pools for your dog to splash in. They offer 30-minute individual sessions for pool time and climbing equipment for your pup to release pent-up energy. This 12,000-square-foot park has plenty of room for your dog to play with nearly everything you could possibly think of and socialize to their heart's content.
What Customers Think
There are over 200 Google reviews about this location, and the park has a super high rating. Dog lovers appreciate:
- The staff sends pictures and report cards during boarding times
- Vetting for safety so all dogs can play without owners worrying
- Patient employees who show their love for all their canine visitors
- Webcam access if you're not able to be there with your pup
- An area for baths and drying
Wag N' Paddle offers Puppy Play Group to help young pups learn how to play appropriately.
Before Your Visit
Dogs must pass a temperament test before being permitted into the park. They also require proof of up-to-date rabies, distemper, and Bordetella vaccines, as well as an annual negative fecal test.
A Dog Park With a Bar for Humans
Dogwood Play Park, located in Seattle, Washington, not only offers an off-leash dog park but also comes fully equipped with a bar where owners can enjoy a beer, a glass of wine, or cider. You can relax and socialize with fellow pet parents while your dog has the time of their life. They also offer a membership, which provides $1 off drinks one day per week, unlimited visits during open hours, and priority stay access.
What Customers Think
There are over 500 reviews from dog lovers highly recommending this play space. The reviews say:
- Their events are an enjoyable experience
- It's a great place for dogs to socialize
- Friendly and professional staff
- They have two big TVs that are perfect for watching your Sunday sports entertainment
The play park has separate areas (indoors and outdoors) for active play and gentle play.
Before Your Visit
Current vaccination records are required to play. Rabies, Bordetella, and DHPP records need to be emailed before visiting. All dogs must also be on some form of flea prevention and spayed or neutered if they are over 1 year old.
Indoor Dog Park With Doga
Doggos Park and Pub, in Greensboro, NC, is a dog park with doga, AKA dog yoga! In addition to this offering, they have an indoor play park, boast a tap house with delicious cocktails, and provide a loving community environment. With over 10,000 square feet of play space, there's plenty of room for your dog to roam in a supervised, climate-controlled space.
What Customers Think
Here's what customers who have rated the park on Google have said:
- The park is clean and safe
- It's a fun place to mingle
- They're accepting of all breeds and people
- Accomodating staff
- A fun place for high-energy pups
Before Your Visit
Members must be 21 or older, and children are only permitted to visit during family hours. There's a 2-dog limit per human, so if you're planning on bringing more than two pups, you'll need to bring an extra person along. Dogs must be up-to-date on their vaccinations (rabies, distemper, and Bordetella), spayed or neutered if they're over one year old, and well socialized.
You must have a membership to enter due to the mystery illness that's causing respiratory complications in dogs.
An Indoor Dog Park That Fetches
LA Dog Works will gladly fetch your dog if you're not able to bring them in. This service is available 24 hours per day, 7 days each week, so if your dog is feeling rambunctious at night, no need to worry; they're on their way! And they will even drop them off when they're done playing. They also offer adult dog training, puppy training, a dog spa, and a quiet area for when your pup may be feeling overwhelmed.
What Customers Think
Google reviews mention:
- They're great with senior dogs
- They're a 'green' company for sustainability
- Staff can deliver medications
- There's no smell of urine
- Loving staff members
Before Your Visit
LA Dogworks requires all dog owners to show proof of current vaccinations or titer test results before entering. Your dog must also pass an evaluation that checks for general well-being, aggression, social skills, fleas and ticks, tumors, or any other behavioral or medical abnormalities. Their play skills are also monitored when they first begin attending.
Indoor Dog Park... There's An App for That
Wet Noses Dry Paws Dog Park offers the unique option of downloading an app to your phone so you can stay in the loop when you drop your dog off. There's a 6,000-square-foot play area with plenty of agility equipment, play toys, and turf potty zones. This park also offers breed-specific meets where you can have the unique opportunity to see other dogs like your own.
What Customers Think
Happy pet parents on Google said:
- Understanding of rescue dogs and their needs
- Cageless boarding makes them feel at ease
- They love receiving a report card during their dog's stay
- Great staff willing to answer any and all questions
This park has a nonprofit initiative that allows homeless dogs from shelters to socialize, increasing their chances of finding their forever homes.
Before Your Visit
Pet parents must show proof of rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella vaccinations. Unlike many other parks, puppies under 14 weeks old are still able to join in the fun as long as they've had three DHPP vaccines.
15,000 Square Feet for All Sizes & Temperaments
15,000 square feet is unheard of for an indoor dog park. Baxter's K9 Complex in St. Peters, Missouri, has been featured on HGTV and offers play space for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. With expert staff, this center offers a variety of services, including dog grooming, dog training, and doggy daycare. Leave your dog to help build their confidence, gain socialization skills, and ultimately have fun while you're away from home, or stop by for a few hours of playtime.
What Customers Think
Google reviews show dog lovers adore that:
- The dog trainers are experienced and friendly
- They keep pet parents up-to-date
- Small dogs have their own play areas
- Great place for puppies to play
Before Your Visit
All dog owners must provide proof of vaccinations: Bordetella, rabies, and DHPP. All dogs must also pass a temperament test to make sure they will get along with others during their visit.
Planning Your Indoor Dog Park Visit
Visiting an indoor dog park can be super fun for you and your pup. There are some tips to help you make the most of your experience.
Bring a Water Bowl
While some parks provide water, it’s a good idea to bring your own bowl and fresh water to ensure your dog stays hydrated.
Use a Leash Outside
Keep your dog on a leash until they are inside the designated off-leash area, and leash them again before exiting.
Observe Dogs Before Entering
Spend a few minutes watching how the dogs are interacting before entering. This can give you an idea of the current energy level and whether it's suitable for your dog.
Know Your Dog's Limits
Be aware of signs of fatigue or stress in your dog, and don't hesitate to take a break or leave if they seem overwhelmed.
Related: Dog Play vs. Fight: 12 Clues to Tell the Difference
Finding an Indoor Dog Park Near You
If you want to find an indoor dog park near where you live or where you're traveling, do a quick Google search such as "Indoor dog park near me" or "Indoor dog park in [Your City]." If you're still looking or want to find some additional info on parks nearby, try:
Checking Out Social Media
Check social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or specialized dog forums. Many indoor dog parks have social media pages where they post updates and interact with the community.
Ask Your Veterinarian
Your vet might be aware of indoor dog parks in your area and can suggest ones that are reputable.
Check Pet Apps
Use pet-related apps like BringFido, which can help you locate dog parks, including indoor options.
Have Fun at the Park
Get ready for tail-wagging fun at the dog park with your furry friend! And if you're in a snowy northern wonderland or a place where raindrops keep falling, an indoor dog park is the perfect "sunny" getaway for you and your pooch!
