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Dog Park at Shirlington Park

Shirlington Park's dog park is a very large park with gates that lead to a stream in Arlington, VA. The park has separate areas for large and small dogs to play, a paved path in the middle, picnic tables, water spigots, and waste stations. Visit Website

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Reviews

BringFido Guest Rating

Dog Park at Shirlington Park has received a rating of 4.2 out of 5 bones by 18 canine critics on BringFido.

  • Joshua
    Sep 18, 2020
    Great Dog Park

    the park is fenced in, but paid parking. there’s a creek to let your dog splash in, however it’s not fenced in and difficult to walk down to. the people range from Karan’s that won’t clean up after their dogs to sweet people that knows the name of your dog. yeah it’s behind an industrial park but your dog can run free.

  • Gladys
    Aug 27, 2018
    Not so clean.

    The small dog area isn't so clean & my pup stepped on some dog's poop. The big dog area isn't as controlled & owners do not understand how rude it is for their dogs to wait at the gate & bark at every new dog. The water is gross. The stream gave our friend's dog some worms & parasites. I recommend Glen Carlyn instead if you're looking for a stream.

  • Dash
    Aug 20, 2018
    Great size and location

    This is my go-to dog park since it is about 5 minutes from my residence. Overall it's a great dog park, but has a couple shortcomings.

    Pros:
    1. Size. The dog park is basically one long straight sidewalk that is about a little under 1/4 mile. There are entrances/exits on both ends, and one near the middle of the park, so you can simply walk through the park from one end and exit the other if you'd like.
    2. Location. Shirlington is incredibly dog friendly, lots of restaurants w/ outdoor seating which accommodate dogs. There is even a brewery about a minute walk's away from the park. This makes Shirlington a great area to come out for lunch, a beer (not inside the park of course), and a long dog walk.

    Cons:
    1. The water. Do not go in! It's tempting and there are plenty of dogs that play there which may convince you that it's ok, but many nearby vets will tell you that they see lots of dogs that get worms from playing in the water. Just because others are doing it does not make it safe.
    2. Grass. There is some, but the ratio of grass to dirt seems about equal. Since it's such a large park, though, it makes up for it.

    Overall, it's a great park, and if your dog likes playing with other dogs then there is no shortage of canine friends at the park.

  • Denise
    Aug 11, 2018
    My Favorite Dog Park

    Very nice trail with lots of grass, shade, and a walking path. Also has water access for dogs that like water. Very clean, and plenty of parking. Highly recommend.

  • Karl’s Mom
    More than a year ago
    wonderful!

    We plan special trips up to DC area just for this park! Always dogs to play, fenced about 600 meter walk, & water stations. Also a fenced in creek that you can take your dog down to swim. And! my newest find: a self serve dog wash groomer by the middle entrance! Best bath my dog has ever gotten, and wonderful to not have him get back in the car wet and full of dirt. Make sure to donate online to Shirlington Dog Park if you love this place so we can keep it open for years to come!

  • TW
    More than a year ago
    Shirlington Dog Park - Beloved

    This is a well loved and popular community amenity that attracts dogs and their owners from outside Arlington.

  • Ashley
    More than a year ago
    BEST PARK

    My rescue and I have been visiting Shirlington Dog Park since he was just a baby. He loves it, and hates leaving. There's so much to explore and summertime when the water is safe. He's the first one in. Totally recommend this park. They've got the small dog area and a big dog area. Both areas are great.

  • Will
    More than a year ago
    Love it

    We bring our lab here often. We love how big it is and how many other dogs are here. The creek is fantastic for hot days AND they do a good job telling people when the river may not be safe....volunteers pick up trash too which is helpful.

  • Susy
    More than a year ago
    Awesome Dog Park

    Our dog had so much fun at this park. He loved the water and creek. There is also a fenced portion that the dogs can just run around and play. We will definitely be back!

  • Jason
    More than a year ago
    Doesn't Get Much Better Than This

    We take our mini poodle here almost every weekend and he loves it. The park is very popular in the area, so there are plenty of dogs to play with. It runs along side Four Mile Run and is divided into a small dog section and a large walking section. The small dog section is nice if you have a small dog and are worried about some of the bigger dogs, but its kind of boring just standing there. We usually take our dog here first then head over to the large walking area.

    We prefer taking our dog to the larger area, which is about a quarter mile long in length and narrow. This makes a great down and back walk to let your dog run free while still being able to keep track of them due to the narrowness. Towards the end of the walk there is a gate to take your dog down into the water. This is a feature that is great for dogs that enjoy getting wet, but make sure you bring some towels, because your dog is sure to get muddy. Water fountains are featured at the beginning and middle of the long section. There are also plenty of garbage cans at the entrances to dispose of your dogs waste.

    Overall, I can't say enough about this park. There are a couple 'drawbacks' that some others have mentioned like the lack of restrooms, sparse grass, and shortage of parking on the weekend. I find these cons to be greatly over shadowed by all this park has to offer. You won't be disappointed.

  • Bobbi
    More than a year ago
    Water is Dangerous

    Lots of dogs get sick in this area with bacteria / intestinal infections due to gross water. There is a sign further up the stream that says, 'do not allow dogs in the water." I'd rather go to the dog park at the top of the hill on S Walter Reed Drive.

  • Sophie
    More than a year ago
    Not the brightest star in the sky

    The park was okay, except that you have to walk there, and that might hurt the little dogs legs. Remember, one step for you is like twenty for them. Also, for the little dogs, there are some currents, and a lot of glass. Overall, it's okay. I guess. Also, you might be looking for a dog park that is you can go to all year, but winter isn't the best time to go, and you would have to go somewhere else, possibly far from your home.

  • Crystal
    More than a year ago
    Gr8 Dog Park!!!!!!

    I have been to other dog parks but this one....WOW!!!!!!! My dog I got from a shelter as so excited to be in thus HUGE dog park. He made sure he metallic the dogs and RAN so much he fell asleep in the. Backseat. Can't wait too back and show my husband this awesome park!!!!!!

  • Patricia
    More than a year ago
    Awesome spot

    Perhaps the best dog park I've ever been to, especially for dogs who love to swim. The park has lots of shady and grassy areas, and the area along the river is perfect, with both shallow wading spots and a deeper area where dogs can really swim. Plus, it's a couple blocks from downtown Shirlington where you can bring your dog to sit on the patio and have a beer, coffee, lunch or dinner. All around great spot. At the far end of the park there is also a baseball field with bathrooms (although they're not always unlocked).

    BEWARE OF THE ADDRESS. The entrance to this park is on the opposite side of the river from Arlington Mill Drive. You actually enter off of Four Mile Run, either at the end of Oxford Street (where Wag More Dogs shop is located) or at the end of S. Nelson (there is more parking here, next to the baseball field and behind the self storage place).

  • Ray
    More than a year ago
    Where's the grass?

    Other than being an off-leash park, this park has little to offer. It's almost barren of grass and pretty run down. The creek is a great treat for those dogs that enjoy that, but the rest of the park can't compare to others I've visited. And ignore the address shown here. Access to parking area is at end of South Nelson Street off of Walter Reed Drive.

  • JD
    More than a year ago
    Amazing!!

    I have a maltipom who LOVES this park!! This park has plenty of room for him to roam, there is so much space!! I think it's one of the largest in the area. I have never seen anything like it and it has become one of my favorite spots too. The creek at the bottom of the park is great for the dogs to go and cool off too. You can't go wrong going here :)

  • Amy
    More than a year ago
    Great time

    Tonight was our first visit to the Shirlington Dog Park with my two little dogs. We recently relocated to the DC area and were excited to let the little ones get some much needed exercise. The dog park has plenty of space and is well-fenced with a series of gates at both ends to prevent even the smallest of dogs from escaping without their owners. Water is available also both in the small dog area and near the entrance for the larger dogs. My only suggestion would be to provide additional ground cover in the highly shaded areas to prevent the excess soil and thereby dust from covering the coats and paws of the pups that frequent the park. All the dogs seemed to be very social and the owners were diligent about supervising and helping to keep the park clearn. I might suggest a day visit during the week for first time visitors as the afterwork crowd is plentiful and could provide overstimulation for new guests.

  • Myrna
    More than a year ago
    PAWSOME!!!!

    My chocolate lab and Jack Russell love coming here! Lots of room to play and pet parents get their excersixe with almost a mile walk! Very clean! Everyone takes responsibility for their furry kids! For the smaller pooches, there is a fenced in space. But trust me that ALL pooches prefer the walk!

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Dog Park at Shirlington Park