Pamper your pooch at an Indianapolis dog park!
Dog parks are good for doggies’ bodies and souls, allowing them to burn off excess energy, learn proper socialization with other dogs and humans, and gleefully run and play with their dog friends. Seriously, have you ever walked past a dog park and not just smiled at the fun the dogs seemed to be having?
Indianapolis and its surrounding areas offer a wide range of dog parks that you and your pooch can enjoy for the price of a day pass or an annual membership. Most dog parks require registration of your dog and proof of vaccination. Some require that your dog be spayed or neutered, and Carmel’s Central Bark Park even requires DNA testing (to help ensure that dog owners pick up after their pets)! If you decide to join a private park, you may also have to submit your dog to a behavioral assessment.
Bark park amenities run the gamut—you’ll find small, simple parks with maybe a water fountain and an open space for sniffing, running and playing, and more elaborate spaces with agility equipment, wash areas/showers, and even ponds for dogs who love to swim! Private parks are often affiliated with boarding kennels, trainers and groomers, so you can get all your dog’s needs taken care of in one stop if you go that route.
Bark park etiquette
Each dog park will have its own rules, but bark park etiquette and common courtesy always apply:
- DO pick up after your dog, ALWAYS.
- DO close the gate behind you and ensure all entrances are secure before unleashing your dog.
- DO keep an eye on your dog—make sure he or she doesn’t become aggressive toward other dogs or humans.
- DON’T bring food to the park (small treats for your dog are generally fine, though).
- DON’T bring a sick dog or a dog in heat to the park.
- DO expect to share toys with other dogs (and DON’T bring your dog’s favorite toy--it could be lost or trigger possessive or protective behavior in your dog).
We hope you find our list of Indianapolis dog parks helpful! We’d love to know which bark park is your (and your dog’s) favorite! Tell us in the comments below.
BONUS: Scroll down for a list of dog-friendly homes for sale—that is, homes with full backyard fences.
Indianapolis-area dog parks
North
Bed & Biscuit Dog Park
3809 IN 32, Westfield
Private park. Membership required. Features agility equipment and a swimming pond. More about Bed & Biscuit Dog Park >>
Central Bark Park
1427 E. 116th St., Carmel
Public park. Limited to 400 members. Central Bark Park currently has a waitlist. Features separate small dog area, benches and shelter, and a wooded area. More about Central Bark Park >>
Clay Terrace Dog Park
14390 Clay Terrace Blvd., Carmel
Free park. Located on east side of Clay Terrace Shopping Center. Features agility equipment. Bring your own water. More about Clay Terrace Dog Park >>
Northeast
Beverly’s Bark Park
14000 Promise Rd., Fishers
Private park. Monthly, four-month and annual memberships available. Four-acre park features roofed sitting areas, park benches, water stations, a supply of tennis balls and Frisbees, and a small-dog area. More about Beverly’s Bark Park >>
Fort Harrison State Park Dog Park
8725 Fall Creek Road, Indianapolis
Public park. Almost 10 acres divided into three separate fenced areas. Amenities include water stations, benches, and picnic tables. More about Fort Harrison’s dog park >>
Pierson Bark Park
11787 E. 131st St., Fishers
Public park. Day passes, monthly passes and annual memberships are available. Four-acre park features small-dog area, wash area, pond, water station and walking path. More about Pierson Bark Park >>
Waggin’ Tails Bark Park at Louis Jenn Memorial Park
10450 E. 63rd St., Indianapolis
Public park. Annual memberships available; limited to 500 humans. Features obstacle training equipment, benches, and a double-bubbler water fountain that serves both humans and canines. More about Waggin’ Tails Bark Park >>
Northwest
Eagle Creek Gordon Gilmer Bark Park
5900 N. High School Road, Indianapolis
Public park. Requires daily or annual membership. More about Eagle Creek Bark Park >>
Humane Society of Indianapolis
7929 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis
Private park. Daily passes or annual membership. Features canine agility course, picnic tables and 1.5 miles of wooded trails. Plus, you can adopt a new furry friend while you’re there! More about the Humane Society’s dog park >>
Zionsville Country Kennel Bark Park
5370 S Indianapolis Rd., Whitestown
Private park. Three-month, six-month and 12-month memberships available. Seven acres with three separate play areas, including one for small dogs, one for larger dogs and a third that includes a lake with a dock for doggie diving and swimming. Learn more about Country Kennel Bark Park >>
West
Avon-Washington Township Paw Park
115 S County Rd. 575, Avon
Public park. Daily passes and annual memberships available. Includes a small-dog area. More about the Avon-Washington Township Paw Park >>
Plainfield Dog Park
1007 Longfellow Ln., Plainfield
Public park. Annual membership. Features agility equipment and benches. More about the Plainfield Bark Park >>
Midtown
Broad Ripple Dog Park
1500 Broad Ripple Ave., Indianapolis
Public park. Daily or annual memberships available. More about Broad Ripple Dog Park >>
South
Four Paws Dog Park at University Park
200 Legacy Blvd., Greenwood
Public park. Annual memberships available. Features agility equipment, picnic tables, benches, and water fountains. More about Four Paws Dog Park >>
Smock Bark Park
4200 E County Line Rd., Indianapolis
Public park. Daily or annual memberships available. More about Smock Bark Park >>
Downtown
Metazoa Brewing Company
140 S College Ave., Indianapolis
Private park. This pet-friendly brewery in Fletcher Place has a sizable fenced-in dog park for your furry friends. More about Metazoa Brewing Company >>
About the Author
Kristie Smith
Kristie Smith is the founder and CEO of the Indy Homes Real Estate Team. She is a REALTOR, and is one of the most recognized and accomplished Indiana real estate agents. Ranked among Central Indiana's top 10 real estate teams, the Indy Homes Team specializes in relocating families moving to the Indy area, as well as Helping People on the Move locally in Indy.
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