General Note of 04-23-05: Well-behaved, leashed dogs are allowed to visit all Broward County Parks except the following Nature Centers: Anne Kolb, Secret Woods, Fern Forest, Tall Cypress, Hillsboro Pineland, and Deerfield Island.

General Note of 03-18-06: One of our readers wrote us and said she has searched Ft. Lauderdale and talked with other dog guardians who agree that, "Ft. Lauderdale parks are NOT dog friendly." She said every park she's visited, excluding Bark Park (see below) and John U. Lloyd State Park in North Dania Beach, have rules prohibiting dogs.

"Even the smallest of clearings that have a bench or picnic table or some sort of signage identifying itself as a 'park' also are posted 'NO DOGS'," she said.

1. Canine Beach

Located on a stretch of ocean beach, beginning at Sunrise and A1A and continuing on for 100 yards to the north at Lifeguard Stand # 14. Dogs are allowed Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday, during the following times: 5 p.m.-9 p.m. EST and 3 p.m.–7 p.m. Daylight Saving Time (DST.)

Note of 08-20-07: Thanks to the kind reader who provided us with updated info.

A permit is required to use this beach and you must have it with you (fees vary.) There is usually a park ranger on site that can take care of a day permit. Call for more information, 954-828-7275.

Very Important: Dogs must be on leashes and guardians must clean up after them - there has been a lot of talk about doing away with this beach, so guardians must be careful and responsible.

Note of 07-09-07: A reader tells us the dog beach is just north of Sunrise Blvd. It's $6 for a weekend pass (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) or you can get an annual permit at the Parks & Rec building at 1350 West Broward Boulevard (M-F til 4:30 p.m.), $30 for Ft. Lauderdale residents & $45 for non-residents. Just bring in proof of residency (drivers license or car registration.) For more info check here.

2. North of Sunrise Blvd.

Right before where the hotels start on the east side of A1A. There's no life guard and a dog is free to swim and play in the sand. Some readers have suggested keeping your dog leashed (or at least attached) in case you have to grab him/her when people walk by on the beach. Otherwise they can pretty much run free as long as you have control of the dog. Bring plenty of plastic bags to pick up the poop to keep everyone happy. Permit required.

Note of 06-05-06: Another kind reader tells us #1 and #2 above are indeed the same location and adds:

"This stretch of the beach is ALL OFF LEASH dog play. Yes, OFF LEASH dog play. This is not a fenced in area so if a dog is not well-mannered, it can be an unsafe area. During daylight savings time it is open on FRI, SAT and SUN from 5-9 pm. After daylight savings time it is 3-7 pm on those day. There is a city park truck that sits on the beach and will take the fee when you walk onto the beach. It is suppose to be $5.70 per dog but this person collects $6.00."

This person also sent us a link for more info about all the pet-friendly Ft. Lauderdale locations we have listed on this page.

Note of 04-17-04: A FloridaPets.net reader informed us they learned this area is now open to dogs from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday & Sunday only.

Note of 03-18-06: A kind reader has suggested that areas described in #1 and #2 are actually the same location.

3. Colohatchee Park
Located at 1975 NE 15th Avenue. Closed Tuesdays.

Note of 07-10-07: Thanks to the kind reader who wrote us about this park. They said it's in a nice location and very clean.

4. Hugh Taylor Birch Park The beach at this park, located just south of Sunrise Blvd., is a great place to take furry friends. They may run leash free if you have good voice control of them.

Note of 04-17-04: The same FloridaPets.net reader as above informed us when they visited this area, they were told by a parks employee dogs must be on a leash, "or else."

Note of 03-18-06: Another reader tells us this park has no beach access, dogs must remain leashed, and there are additional restrictions.

5. Bark Park at Snyder Park

Located at 3299 SW 4th Avenue, just north of the Fort Lauderdale airport. Dogs must remain in the car until arrival at the Bark Park (dogs are not allowed in the remainder of Snyder Park.) Open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Daylight Savings Time, otherwise 6:30 p.m. Entrance fee: Weekends and holidays: $2.00 adults, $1.00 seniors, $1.50 children 6-12 yrs old, 5 and under free. Weekdays: $1.50 adults, $1.00 seniors, free for children age 5. Annual passes $60.

Features: fenced, benches, handicap facilities, trees, poop bags, parking, restrooms, water, trashcans, agility equipment, separate small dog area, two hose stations, drinking fountains, two open air pavilions and a small nature area. Those using the facility must show proof of vaccinations.

Directions: I-95, exit State Road 84 east. Turn right on 4th Avenue. Park is on right at intersection with I-595.

Note of 05-04-06: A kind reader tells us on Saturdays and Sundays, they have a doggie swim program, fee of $1.00. She also provides us with contact phone numbers for those seeking more info: 954-828-4585 or 954-828-3647.

Note of 08-07-04: A kind reader tells us there is also a fresh water lake at this dog park, where you and your dog can romp and swim leash free weekends and holidays only, from March to December for a fee of about $1.50.

6. The Riverwalk: Linear Park

Rover can roam along New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale in an area behind the Broward Center for Performing Arts to about 500 East Las Olas Blvd. Permitted daily from sunrise - 2 a.m. The Riverwalk is a type of boardwalk dotted with businesses and restaurants, so make sure your dog behaves. Pooper scoopers are available in boxes along the Riverwalk - please use them!

7. Woodville Dog Park

Located in North Lauderdale at 500 SW 83rd Avenue. Contact phone number for more information is: 954-726-0274.

Note of 09-18-06: We appreciate the kind reader who has provided us with the following information about this dog park:

"This is a great park. They recently finished some renovations. It had a drainage problem which has been fixed and they planted grass so there's not as much dirt for our canine friends to get muddy in. The park has baby pools for the dogs to cool off in. A few above ground dog tunnels and it is big enough for a good run. A wash area to clean up you dog after a great day of playing. They have also planted bushes to make the view a nice one. There have been some instances with aggressive dogs and owners not taking responsibilty, so be careful with that. But all in all, I have enjoyed this park almost as much as my two dogs and have found most owners very social and responsible."

Update of 05-04-06: Thanks to the kind reader who told us about this dog park.

NOTE: We can't visit every area on a regular basis, so if you have information about any dog parks or beaches, or any other animal recreation facilities, in the Fort Lauderdale area, please contact FloridaPets.net.