Many Staten Islanders have pet dogs. Actually, dogs are more than pets—they’re part of the family! And as all dog parents know, it’s important to give your furry family member lots of space to run and play. Even if you don’t have a big house, apartment or yard, there are plenty of places on Staten Island where your pet can get in some much-needed exercise. Browse our list of some of the best dog runs and dog parks on Staten Island, and get ready for a day of fun for everyone in the family.
Dog Run vs. Dog Park: What’s the Difference?
Before we get into our list, it’s important to note the difference between a dog run and a dog park in New York City. Both are great fun for pups, but here’s how the NYC Parks Department defines the difference:
Dog Runs: Dog runs are large, fenced-in areas for dogs to exercise unleashed during park hours.
Designated Off-Leash Areas: Some park areas in the city allow dogs to be off leash from the time the park opens until 9am and from 9pm until the park closes. Just keep in mind the off-leash policy in certain parks may be subject to changes in consideration of resident or transient wildlife.
For a complete list of rules and regulations about dogs in city parks, visit the NYC Parks’ website.
And with the days getting hotter as we approach summer, it’s important to keep in mind some safety tips for pups in the park. Judy Dronzek, Senior Humane Society Policy Volunteer Leader for NY’s 16th Congressional District, shared some tips for keeping your dog safe and happy at the park:
- Beware of blacktop: This asphalt material gets very hot in the summer. “It can–and does–burn their feet,” Dronzek explained.
- Never leave your dog in a car: Animals and children should never be left inside the car, even if the windows are open. It’s hotter inside the car than out, so this can lead to heat stroke or death. “So, if you’re going to the dog park, please do not stop at a place where you can’t bring your animal inside. Otherwise, return them home before doing any errands,” Dronzek said.
And now, on to our list!
Dog Parks in Staten Island
Allison Park Off-Leash Area
Location: Field at the end of the trail bordered by Prospect Avenue, Sailors Snug Harbor Cemetery and the pond.
Type: Off-Leash
Amundsen Trail Off-Leash Area
Between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard
Type: Off-Leash
Arthur Von Briesen Park Off-Leash Area
Lawn area, mid-park right side
Type: Off-Leash
Bloomingdale Park Dog Run
Maguire Avenue behind athletic fields closer to Ramona Avenue
Type: Run
Clove Lakes Park Off-Leash Area
Open field above picnic area near Royal Oak Road and Rice Avenue; Brookside Avenue between Alpine Court and Kingsley Avenue (lawn area)
Type: Off-Leash
Clove’s Tail Park Off-Leash Area
Lawn area, corner of Victory Boulevard and Little Clove Road
Type: Off-Leash
Conference House Park Dog Run
Clermont Avenue and Massachusetts Street
Type: Run
Cozzens Woods Park Off-Leash Area
Page Avenue between Hylan Boulevard and Amboy Road
Type: Off-Leash
Father Macris Park Off-Leash Area
Park is in Graniteville. The off-leash area is in the lawn area beyond the ballfield.
Type: Off-Leash
Ida Court Playground Dog Run
Ida Court between N. Railroad Street and Drumgoole Road E.
Type: Run
Lemon Creek Park Off-Leash Area
Bottom of Seguine Avenue at Johnston Terrace, just below playground
Type: Off-Leash
Siedenburg Park Off-Leash Area
Greaves Avenue and Evergreen Street
Type: Off-Leash
Silver Lake Park Dog Run
Victory Boulevard below the pavilion, across from the Parkview Apartments
Type: Run
South Beach Park Off-Leash Area
Type: Off-Leash
Note: On sand after Labor Day and before Memorial Day
Willowbrook Park Off-Leash Area
1 Eton Pl., by the Archery Range Field
Type: Off-Leash
Wolfe’s Pond Park Dog Run
Run is to the left of Cornelia Avenue
Type: Off-Leash
Parks in Staten Island That Do Not Allow Dogs or Other Pets
Pets are not allowed at the campgrounds in Fort Wadsworth, which is run by the National Park Service (NPS). Pets are not allowed at the swimming beach at Staten Island’s NPS Unit’s Great Kills Park between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, a state park, does not allow dogs on its trails.
“Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve is a nature preserve, which means it has a lot of unique wildlife who call this place their home including ground nesting birds and small mammals,” Emily Gaines, environmental educator at Clay Pit Ponds, explained. “The scent from dogs can scare and stress wildlife living here because they think the dog is a predator. This is why dogs are not allowed in our park.”
By the way, if you love dogs, check out the Museum of the Dog’s military dog exhibit. The exhibit highlights military dogs from World War II to Afghanistan who were wounded in battle or sacrificed their lives. The exhibit closes in July, so plan your visit soon. And if all this dog talk has you thinking about getting one, here’s where you can adopt a pet on Staten Island and nearby.
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