Knoxville and Knox County have made a commitment with Petsafe Village to make Knoxville the "Pet Friendliest Community" in the country.

Petsafe Village has donated money to go towards the construction of five dog parks in the Greater Knoxville area. Additionally, efforts are being made to work with downtown restaurants to allow dogs in their outdoor dining areas.

Knoxville Parks and Recreation offers more than 41 miles of greenways and more than 80 parks for patrons to enjoy with their canine companions. Per City ordinance, all dogs must be on a leash at all times (except in off-leash dog parks) and dog owners are required to pick up their dog's waste.

Dogwood Park

Located in Victor Ashe Park at 4901 Bradshaw Rd., Dogwood Park was opened in 2007 as Knoxville's first public dog park. The one-acre off-leash area is completely fenced and features a puppy playground (includes two hill structures, a puppy jump, and a tunnel), a dog water fountain, and dog waste stations. Knoxville Parks and Recreation built this park in cooperation with the Knox Dog Owners Group (KnoxDog).

Dog Fancy Magazine recently named Dogwood Park as the country's Dog Park with the Best Setting. Click here to see the article.

Downtown Dog Park
The Downtown Dog Park is the second of five parks to be built with the funding from Petsafe Village. The dog park will be built at the corner of Summit and Central in the Downtown area. Approximately one-acre, the park is expected to be completed in 2009.

The Downtown Dog Park will feature an attractive entrance that complements the surrounding downtown buildings. The State of Tennessee has awarded Knoxville with a grant to incorporate an infiltration system into the dog park in order to prevent pollutants from entering the nearby First Creek. Amenities for the dog park will include separate sections for small and large dogs, human and dog water fountains, and dog waste stations.

Dog Waste Stations
The Tennessee Izaak Walton League has partnered with Knoxville Parks and Recretion to place dog waste stations in popular dog-walking areas (primarily parks and greenways). To sponsor a dog waste station, please contact the Tennessee Izaak Walton League at 865-414-5590.