Knoxville and Knox County have 15 off-leash dog parks. Dogs are welcome leashed in city parks and on greenways, and permitted restaurant patios allow dogs.
Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. Facts come from the City of Knoxville’s Dog Parks, Dogs on Patios and Aquatics pages and Young-Williams Animal Center.
Knoxville and Knox County have 15 fenced dog parks, and the city welcomes leashed dogs in its parks and on its greenways and trails unless a sign says otherwise. Per city ordinance, every dog must be on a leash at all times except inside an off-leash dog park, and owners must pick up after their dogs. Restaurants can let dogs onto their patios with a city permit.
Who to call
- Parks, dog waste stations and greenways: Knoxville Parks and Recreation, 865-215-4311
- Lost or found pets, stray dogs: Young-Williams Animal Center, 3201 Division St., 865-433-9922
- Leash law: Knoxville City Code
The leash rules
- Leash at all times, in parks, on greenways and on city streets, except in off-leash dog parks. City of Knoxville
- Pick up after your dog. The city requires it, and Conservation Cooperative has placed dog waste stations in popular parks and on greenways.
- Signs rule. Some parks or trails may post their own limits; follow them.
Dog parks
The city’s list of dog parks in Knoxville and Knox County. Most sit inside larger parks, so you can add a leashed walk. Some are split into areas for small and large dogs, with water fountains and benches.
| Dog park | Address |
|---|---|
| Beverly Dog Park | 5311 Beverly Park Circle |
| Charter Doyle PetSafe Dog Park | 5100 W. Martin Mill Pike |
| Concord PetSafe Dog Park | 10901 S. Northshore Drive |
| Dogwood Dog Park | Victor Ashe Park, 4901 Bradshaw Road |
| Downtown PetSafe Dog Park | 200 S. Central St. |
| Emma Jane Walker Memorial PetSafe Dog Park | 6400 Fountain City Road |
| Fountain City Dog Park | 108 Knox Road |
| Holston-Chilhowee Dog Park | 6005 Holston Drive |
| Holston River PetSafe Dog Park | 3300 Holston Hills Road |
| I.C. King Expansion Dog Park | 2625 Maryville Pike |
| Love Towers Dog Park | 1171 Armstrong Ave. |
| New Harvest Dog Park | 4775 New Harvest Lane |
| PetSafe Village Dog Park | 10424 PetSafe Way |
| Plumb Creek PetSafe Dog Park | 1517 Hickey Road |
| Sam Duff Dog Park | 4060 Chapman Highway |
PetSafe helped pay for several of these parks as part of a city-county commitment to make Knoxville the “Most Pet Friendly Community” in the country.
Dogs on restaurant patios
Since 2010, the city has let restaurants with outdoor dining areas welcome pet dogs, with a Dogs on Patios permit (a one-time $20 application fee). Dogs must be taken straight to the patio, never through the inside of the restaurant, and each restaurant posts its own dog rules. The permit covers pet dogs only, not service animals.
Restaurants that have applied for the permit include, among many others, Balter Beerworks, the Bistro at the Bijou, Cafe 4, Calhoun’s on the River, Downtown Grill and Brewery, Lilou, Preservation Pub, Stock and Barrel, Sunspot, The Tomato Head and Tupelo Honey. The city warns that some businesses on its list may have closed or moved, so ask before you sit down. Full list
STIR, 215 Willow Ave., also says on its own website that its patio is dog-friendly. See our brunch guide.
Walks and swims
- Greenways: leashed dogs are welcome on city greenways and trails. Loops, distances and trailheads are on our walking and biking trails guide.
- Doggie Dip Nights: after the swim season, the city opens Inskip Pool, 4204 Bruhin Road, to dogs. In 2026 the nights were Sept. 8 and Sept. 10, 5 to 8 p.m., at $5 a person and $5 a dog. City Aquatics
- Parks: see our parks and trails guide.
What this means for you
- Off-leash play is legal only inside a fenced dog park.
- Bring bags: waste stations are in popular parks, but not everywhere.
- Want your dog on a patio? Look for the restaurant’s posted dog rules, or ask the host.
Related: kids’ activities, free things to do and getting around.
Frequently asked questions
Do dogs have to be on a leash in Knoxville?
Yes. Per city ordinance, all dogs must be on a leash at all times except in off-leash dog parks. Leashed dogs are welcome in city parks, greenways and trails unless signs say otherwise.
Where is the dog park in downtown Knoxville?
The Downtown PetSafe Dog Park is at 200 S. Central St., on the edge of the Old City.
How many dog parks are in Knoxville?
The city lists 15 dog parks in Knoxville and Knox County, from the Downtown PetSafe Dog Park to PetSafe Village in West Knox County and Concord PetSafe Dog Park on Northshore Drive.
Can I bring my dog to a restaurant patio in Knoxville?
Only where the restaurant holds a city Dogs on Patios permit. Dogs must go straight to the outdoor area, never through the inside, and must follow the restaurant’s posted rules.
Where do I report a lost dog in Knoxville?
Young-Williams Animal Center, 3201 Division St., runs the area’s animal services and a lost and found service; call 865-433-9922.
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