St. Pete's six fenced city dog parks, the 6-foot leash rule in city parks, where dogs can't go on the Pier, dog-friendly patios and the yearly dog events.

Last checked 2026-10-10. Rules come from the St. Petersburg City Code, Chapter 4, the city’s St. Pete PAWS page and the dog parks page; venue details from each venue’s own site.

St. Petersburg calls itself a pet-friendly city, and the city’s St. Pete PAWS program has a map of businesses that welcome pets. The ground rules are short: a leash no longer than 6 feet anywhere open to the public, off leash only in a fenced dog park, and pick up after your dog.

Who to call

  • Dog parks: St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation, 727-893-7441
  • Stray, lost or found animals: Pinellas County Animal Services, 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo, 727-582-2600
  • Nuisance or code complaints: Codes Compliance, 727-893-7373
  • Police non-emergency (aggressive dog): 727-893-7780

The leash rules

From the city code and the St. Pete PAWS page:

  • Leash in public: dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet in areas open to the public, including city parks (Sec. 4-55).
  • Off leash: only in fenced, designated dog parks, or in an enclosed area at a limited-time event approved by City Council.
  • No dogs on city athletic fields or playgrounds.
  • Pick it up: owners must pick up and dispose of their dog’s waste on public or private property (Sec. 4-56). Service dogs’ handlers are exempt.
  • Barking: frequent barking between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., or for 10 minutes or more at a time, counts as a nuisance (Sec. 4-57).
  • How many: no more than five adult dogs at a house and three at an apartment or condo for longer than 24 hours (Sec. 4-8).

City dog parks

All open 30 minutes before sunrise and close 30 minutes after sunset. Each closes briefly for weekly maintenance; the schedule is on the city’s dog parks page.

Dog park Address
Coquina Key 3595 Locust St. SE
Crescent Lake 1320 5th St. N
Kenwood Park 401 20th St. N
Lake Vista Park 1401 62nd Ave. S
North Shore 901 North Shore Drive NE
Walter Fuller 7901 30th Ave. N

Park rules: stay in the park and within sight of your dog, leash your dog coming in and going out, keep it under voice control, fill any holes it digs, pick up after it, and keep aggressive dogs out.

The St. Pete Pier with a dog

From the Pier’s FAQ: the Pier is pet friendly, with bag dispensers throughout the Pier District, and pets must be on a leash of 6 feet or less. Dogs are not allowed on the Majeed Foundation Splash Pad or on Spa Beach.

Patios and businesses

  • The city’s Mayor’s Pet-Friendly Business program puts participating businesses on a pet-friendly map. Restaurants that let dogs on their patios also need a city Dog Dining permit.
  • Birch & Vine at The Birchwood, 340 Beach Drive NE, says its sidewalk seating is dog friendly.
  • The Saturday Morning Market downtown posts its own dog guidelines; read them before you bring a dog.

Dog events through the year

Event When Where
St. Pete Pier Costumed Dog Parade Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, 4 to 8 p.m.; parade at 6 p.m. Family Park, St. Pete Pier
Santa Paws: dog races, contests, holiday shopping Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1400 N. Shore Drive NE
Dog Swim Day Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (the 2027 date is not out) Fossil Park Pool, 6739 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N

Dog Swim Day is the one day the city opens Fossil Park Pool to dogs before the pool closes for the season. In 2026 it cost $5 a dog, owners had to show proof of vaccinations, and people could not swim. Questions go to the city’s Aquatics Division, 727-893-7732.

What this means for you

  • Six feet of leash everywhere except a fenced dog park.
  • Spa Beach and the Pier’s splash pad are off limits to dogs; the rest of the Pier is fine on a leash.
  • Lost dog? Check Pinellas County Animal Services in Largo first.

Related: parks and trails, walking and biking trails and Halloween events.

Frequently asked questions

Do dogs have to be on a leash in St. Petersburg parks?

Yes. City Code Section 4-55 requires a leash no longer than 6 feet in city parks. Dogs may run off leash only in fenced, designated dog parks or at a City Council-approved event.

Where are the dog parks in St. Petersburg?

The city runs six: Coquina Key (3595 Locust St. SE), Crescent Lake (1320 5th St. N), Kenwood Park (401 20th St. N), Lake Vista Park (1401 62nd Ave. S), North Shore (901 North Shore Drive NE) and Walter Fuller (7901 30th Ave. N).

Are dogs allowed on the St. Pete Pier?

Yes, on a leash of 6 feet or less, with bag dispensers throughout the Pier District. Dogs are not allowed on the Majeed Foundation Splash Pad or on Spa Beach.

What are the St. Pete dog park hours?

City dog parks open 30 minutes before sunrise and close 30 minutes after sunset. Each closes briefly for weekly maintenance.

Can I bring my dog to a restaurant patio in St. Pete?

Only where the restaurant allows it; restaurants that serve food need a city Dog Dining permit. The city’s St. Pete PAWS pet-friendly map lists businesses in its Mayor’s Pet-Friendly Business program.