Dog Park Rules in Pinellas County
Last updated: July 2026
These are the official rules for Pinellas County-maintained dog parks (Fort De Soto, North Shore, Walter Fuller, and others). Individual city parks may post their own additional rules at the gate — always check signage on-site.
🐕 Who Can Come to the Park
- No dogs younger than 4 months old. Check with your veterinarian before introducing a puppy to the dog park.
- No aggressive dogs. Handlers are liable for any injury or damage caused by their dog(s).
- Handlers must carry a leash with them at all times while in the park, even in off-leash areas.
- All dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the park — leashes come off only once inside the designated off-leash area.
🎾 While You're There
- Handlers must stop their dogs from digging and are responsible for filling any holes their dog makes.
- No excessive barking.
- No bathing dogs within the park.
- No food or smoking within the fenced area.
- Pick up and dispose of your dog's waste in designated receptacles — unscooped waste washes into local waterways and can contribute to algae blooms.
- It's recommended you don't go barefoot in the dog park.
- Parks close at dusk.
💉 Health & Vaccinations
- Dogs should be up to date on core vaccinations (rabies, Bordetella/kennel cough, distemper/parvo) before visiting a dog park, where disease can spread dog-to-dog.
- Monthly heartworm and flea/tick prevention is strongly recommended, especially for dogs that visit parks regularly.
- Dogs must be licensed with Pinellas County.
Fort De Soto note: Fort De Soto is the only Pinellas County park where dogs are allowed on the beach itself, in a designated area near the southwest corner of the dog park. Two separate fenced areas (large and small dogs) with water stations are located near the beach entrance.
⚖️ County-Wide Pet Laws
- Dogs may not run at large anywhere in Pinellas County — this applies everywhere, not just parks.
- It's unlawful to tether, chain, or tie a dog to a stationary object unless the dog remains within the owner's visual range.
- Pets in vehicles must be safely secured (enclosed, contained, or tethered) so they can't fall, jump, or be thrown from the vehicle.
- Never leave a dog unattended in a parked car — on an 85°F day, interior car temperatures can reach 120°F in as little as 30 minutes, and this can cause fatal heatstroke.
🚨 If Something Goes Wrong
Pinellas County is not responsible for the behavior of any dog in county parks. Bites or injuries should be reported directly to Pinellas County Animal Services. Violating posted park rules can result in a citation or removal from the park. For a real emergency, see our Pet Emergencies section for 24/7 vet hospitals near St. Pete.
Disclaimer: This page is a general summary compiled from publicly available Pinellas County sources, provided for convenience only. Rules, hours, and posted signage can change without notice and may vary by individual park or city. This is not legal advice. Always check current signage at the specific park you're visiting, and refer to Pinellas County's official Dog Parks page for the most up-to-date, authoritative rules. St Pete Dog Park is an independent local guide and is not affiliated with Pinellas County government.