Washington Square Park’s main dog run welcomes dogs of all sizes behind the Park House, between Thompson and Sullivan streets. You can enter from inside the park or from the Washington Square South sidewalk. This is a different enclosure from Robin Kovary Run for Small Dogs, farther east.
Plan your visit
- Arrival address: 52 Washington Square South, New York, NY 10012. Look for the dog-run entrance behind the Park House.
- Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. to midnight, New York time, according to the Washington Square Park Conservancy. Follow posted notices for temporary restrictions.
- Dogs: The main run is open to all sizes. The separate Robin Kovary run is for dogs weighing 25 pounds or less.
- Parking: There is no car parking inside Washington Square Park. Plan to arrive on foot or check nearby street and garage options separately.
- Bring: A leash, waste bags, drinking water and a bowl, plus current dog-license and rabies-vaccination proof.
Find the dog park entrance
Get directions to Washington Square Park Dog Run, then look behind the Park House. Keep your dog leashed on the approach. For the other enclosure’s entrance, see our Robin Kovary Run guide.
Official park map: Open the Conservancy’s interactive Washington Square Park map and choose Dog Runs to find this enclosure, Robin Kovary’s run and nearby restrooms.
Water, surface and cleanup
The Conservancy’s 2026 water-service update reports water available at both dog runs while the park’s central fountain undergoes repairs. Bring backup water in case a fixture is unavailable during your visit. The central fountain is a separate park feature; do not treat it as a dog-swimming area.
A December 2025 Conservancy update describes tilling and deodorizing the runs’ gravel. More recent visitors mention dust and the need to wash their dogs afterward. Check the surface before entering and plan for cleanup, especially if your dog gets wet during play.
Rules before you enter
NYC Parks’ dog-area rules require a leash no longer than six feet outside dog runs and other permitted off-leash areas. Carry proof of your dog’s current license and rabies vaccination, pick up waste and prevent your dog from chasing wildlife. Stay with your dog and supervise play.
Dogs are not permitted in playgrounds, fountains or other prohibited facilities. Keep out of fenced garden beds and read the posted run rules before entering. The official dog-run pages do not list a separate admission charge; dog licensing is still required.
What parkgoers say
A May 2026 dog walker said the dogs they bring enjoy running and playing here, and mentioned water being available. A June visitor also found it useful for burning off energy but described a dusty dog and a lengthy wash afterward.
A July visitor noticed the two distinct dog areas along the park’s south side. Although that reviewer described the main run as mostly for larger dogs, the Conservancy’s rule allows dogs of all sizes. Choose the enclosure that suits your dog and watch how play is going before joining. Read current parkgoer reviews on Google Maps.
More options and updates
Compare Union Square Dog Run or browse our New York City dog-run directory. Check each park’s access rules before changing your destination.
Sources checked August 31, 2026; no site visit was made. Check the Conservancy’s dog-run information for updates. Call 311 for city park concerns, or report a correction to this listing.
