Buffalo, NY, is known for its Buffalo wings, Niagara Falls and Niagara Square, the Buffalo Zoo, the Buffalo Botanical Gardens, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Complex. But if you live in Buffalo with your favorite fur baby, you’re probably wondering what there is to do in this city with your dog. Where can dogs go? And where are the best parks?
Have no fear… we’re here to help! With the pet-parenting trend skyrocketing in the US, there are more and more activities you can do with your pup, plus more establishments that will let you bring your dog along for fun.
Believe it or not, there are actually tons of delicious Buffalo restaurants that will let you bring your dog out to eat with you. Some will even provide a beautiful pet-friendly outdoor patio, a bowl of water, and dog treats, and some will even have their own doggy menu. Crazy, right? Or crazy awesome!
If you’re looking for some outdoor fun for you and your pup, you’ve come to the right place. Some parks will offer just the typical fenced-in space, water, and waste stations. But others will have separate areas for smaller dogs, canine agility equipment, and even a water feature for the dogs to cool off and splash around in. Below is a list of our top favorite dog parks and off-leash areas in and around Buffalo, NY.
And while you’re looking for spaces and places that can take care of your doggy’s needs, don’t forget about finding the best pet care possible for your precious pup. Click here to enter your zip code, and we’ll help you find the best dog walkers, cat sitters, pet groomers, and more… All in and around the city of Buffalo, NY.
But if you’re ready to get some fresh air and exercise with your furry best friend, let’s check out Buffalo’s best dog parks and off-leash areas.
The 8 Best Parks, Dog Parks, and Off-leash Areas in Buffalo, NY:
- The Bark Park at Black Rock Canal Park
- Barkology
- The Barkyard at Lasalle Park
- Ellicott Island Bark Park
- Knox Farm State Park Dog Park
- Lewiston Dog Park
- Niagara Falls Dog Park
- The Paw Park
The Bark Park at Black Rock Canal Park — 16 Black Rock Harbor, Buffalo, NY 14207
The Bark Park at Black Rock Canal Park is an off-leash dog park located within the Black Rock Canal Park. It is also the first dog park within Erie County. The Bark Park is open from 7 am – 9 pm during the summer months, and 7 am – dusk during the winter months. This dog park is divided into separate fenced-in spaces. One is for small dogs that are 30 lbs. or less. And the other is for larger dogs over 30 lbs. All dogs must be licensed and vaccinated.
This dog park has gravel ground covering and benches for the humans. In addition to the paved riverwalk trail, boat launch, and fishing offered throughout the rest of the park, there is also a K-9 monument honoring all current and past dogs that have served in the Sheriff’s department and any other law enforcement canines.
Barkology — 4939 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY 14225
Barkology is the first and only indoor dog park and bar combo in Buffalo, NY. “At Barkology, people and pups from all over our community can get together, share some drinks, and make new friends.” You can meet up with old friends for a beer or make some new ones here. And bring your pup along so that they can make new doggy friends too. They can also play off-leash in this clean, indoor space.
Every dog must be licensed and vaccinated, plus they must play nice. It only costs $10 per day, or you can get a month-long pass for $30. They even have yearly passes for $225 and only $150 for each additional dog (be sure to check their website for updated pricing, though). This is a great spot to kick back and relax while your dog gets to run off some of their extra crazy energy.
The Barkyard at Lasalle Park — 2 Porter Ave, Buffalo, NY 14201
The Barkyard at Lasalle Park is a 70,000 square foot fenced-in, off-leash dog park that opened in 2007. In fact, it was actually Buffalo’s very first official off-leash dog park. You can enjoy the gorgeous views of Buffalo’s city skyline and waterfront while your pooch runs around with all of its new doggy friends. This park does offer two separate spaces—one for smaller dogs and one for larger dogs. Plus, you’ll find water stations, waste stations, benches and chairs for the humans, and picnic pavilions.
On top of all that, Lasalle Park itself offers 77 acres right on Lake Erie and the Niagara River. You can also walk your pup on a leash on the Riverwalk path along the riverfront. And enjoy things like “rollerblading, walking, jogging, bicycling, softball fields, baseball fields, a football field, soccer fields, playground, amphitheater, and meadow.”
Ellicott Island Bark Park — 10 Creekside Dr, Tonawanda, NY 14228
Ellicott Island Bark Park is a gorgeous dog park with green spaces, walking trails, and Ellicott Creek. This dog park is not fenced-in, but it is actually on its own little island and is surrounded by water. So if your pup is the type who loves running around on the beach and splashing in the water, this is the place for you!
Knox Farm State Park Dog Park — 437 Buffalo Rd, East Aurora, NY 14052
Knox Farm State Park Dog Park is a beautiful 6-acre dog park hosted inside the 633-acre state park. “The park’s 633 acres are comprised of a variety of habitats, including 400 acres of grasslands (pastures and hayfields), and 100 acres of woodlands, ponds, and several wetland areas.” Throughout the park, you can cross-country ski, ride horses, observe the beautiful wildlife and enjoy a hike with your on-leash dog. And there are even golf courses, playgrounds, pools, and beaches.
Or you can let your pup roam free and off-leash inside the fenced-in dog park space. There are two separate sections for small and large dogs. Plus, you’ll find water spigots and bowls or buckets, so your pup can take a drink.
Lewiston Dog Park — 450 S 4th St, Lewiston, NY 14092
Lewiston Dog Park is located within the Artpark State Park. Here you’ll find “world-class amphitheater rock and pop concerts, interactive public art installations, outdoor festivals, gallery exhibits, art and theatre workshops, summer camps, and more.” On top of the fun events, this park also has picnic pavilions, hiking, cross-country skiing, and fishing.
The Lewiston Dog Park has two large fenced-in areas. One for large dogs and one for small dogs. You’ll find plenty of grassy green space and trees, water stations, waste stations, canine agility equipment, and bench seating for the humans. You can even see beautiful views of the Niagara Gorge walking trail.