Off-Leash areas around Shelby County | Community Spirit

Now that the weather is warmer, local pet lovers want somewhere to run around with their pups. If you don't want to stay in your own backyard, go to one of the off-leash dog parks in the area.

There are several locations throughout the Mid-South where dogs can enjoy the freedom of being off-leash and owners don't have to fear their furry friends running out into the street.

Safe, fenced-in areas are available to the public, and the only necessity for most is that the dog be up-to-date on vaccinations.

1. Shelby Farms Dog Park: The most well-known and largest in the area. The park has recently finished updates to the area which includes water, a wooded area and large fields. There is a separate entrance for the dog area, located off of Trinity Road at Gate 12.

2. The Barking Lot: The only dedicated off-leash dog park in Downtown Memphis. It's quite small, as it is a renovated parking lot, but offers the socialization and freedom owners want for their dogs. It's located at the corner of Main Street and Jefferson. (There's also a space for food trucks, so owners can eat while the pups play.)

3. Forgey Dog Park: Offers two play areas, one for small dogs and one for larger dogs. They offer water, shade and benches for owners. Owners that with to take their dogs here must pay a annual fee to the city of Germantown and also attend a 30 minute class. It is located at 1695 Riverdale Road in Germantown.

4. Memphis Dog Park: This park offers a one acre area for large dogs and a half acre area for pups less than 25 lbs. They provide waste bags and benches to sit. This park is located at 2599 Avery in Mid-town by the Memphis City Schools Board of Education.

5. Bartlett Dog Park: A small area in Bartlett for man's furry best friend to run free. They provide water, trees, benches and waste bags. Three areas are open, one specifically designated for puppies. They are located next to the Bartlett Animal Shelter at 5220 Shelter Run Lane.

In progress:

1. Overton Bark: Located on Old Forest Lane. The Overton Park Conservancy is working through plans for an off-leash area they hope will be open by June.

2. Collierville: Tax Payers in the town of Collierville are petitioning for an off-leash area at W.C. Johnson Park, 419 Johnson Park Drive.