Craig Rupp K-9 Dog Park is a free, fenced off-leash park at 9751 Johnson Street in Pembroke Pines. The City describes separate play areas by dog size, activity obstacles, benches and a gazebo, with a large parking area beside the park.
Plan your visit
- Address: 9751 Johnson Street, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026.
- Regular hours: 8 a.m. to dusk Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
- Wednesday maintenance: The dog park closes every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Plan around this closure even when the surrounding area is accessible.
- Admission: The City lists the park as free to the public.
- Play areas: Use the posted signs to choose the section for your dog’s size. The City confirms separate areas but does not publish the current weight cutoff online.
- Parking: The City master plan identifies a large parking area along Johnson Street.
Find the dog park entrance
Turn into the park from Johnson Street near Northwest 97th Avenue and use the curved parking area inside the property. The City aerial plan places the fenced dog areas north of the lot beneath the utility corridor. Keep your dog leashed from the vehicle to the correct enclosure, pause before opening the gate and follow the signs posted on the fence.
Get directions to Craig Rupp K-9 Dog Park.
Separate areas, obstacles and shade
The City confirms two play sections based on dog size and several obstacles for activity. Check the enclosure sign before entering because the current weight threshold is not stated on the City webpage. Give dogs near the entrance time to move away before opening the inner gate.
Benches and a gazebo provide places for handlers to watch the play areas. The City master plan also notes limited tree canopy, so pavilion shade may be in demand on hot afternoons. Bring drinking water and a bowl as backup even though visitors frequently report water at the park.
Rules and practical cautions
Read the current rules posted on the fence before entering. Keep your leash with you, supervise your dog, clean up waste and remove your dog if play becomes unsafe. The City does not permit parties in the dog park.
South Florida heat, rain and grounds work can change conditions quickly. Check for temporary notices, avoid hot surfaces and shorten active play when your dog shows signs of heat stress. A towel is useful after wet or muddy visits.
What park goers say
Visitors often praise the large grassy space, separate dog sections, agility equipment, pavilion shade and available water. Many describe the park as a regular neighborhood gathering place where dogs have room to run and owners can watch from benches or the gazebo.
Common cautions include muddy patches after rain, limited shade away from the pavilion, waste left by some visitors and dogs entering the wrong size section. Some visitors also want more facilities for people. Choose a quieter time if your dog needs space, verify the correct enclosure at the fence and be ready to leave if the group mix feels uncomfortable. Read current visitor reports.
Check official updates
Before leaving, review the official Craig Rupp K-9 Dog Park page for hours, maintenance notices and current rules. For citywide closures, also check the Pembroke Pines Recreation and Cultural Arts page.