and The Vets are now one. A new era of pet care begins! 
Austin is traditionally voted as one of the pet-friendliness places not only in Texas, but in the entire country. Whether you simply wish to take a stroll with your dog or give Fido a good workout, here are the top 9 dog friendly parks Austin for you to enjoy.
Bob Wentz Park
7144 Comanche Trail
Photo from Instagram
Spanning 211 acres on the shores of Lake Travis, Bob Wentz Park is popular among Austin folk, as it takes only half an hour to reach it by car. Some of the park’s amenities include barbecue grills, picnic tables, restrooms, sailing, swimming, showers, a boat ramp, and windsurfing.
Since water sports are the main reason people venture into Hill Country, it is no wonder that animals aren’t allowed on the Point. In addition, make sure that your dog is on the leash in the park at all times for safety reasons.
Norwood Estate Dog Park
1009 Edgecliff Terrace
Photo from Instagram
Situated near the I-35, Norwood Estate is a fenced-off dog park. The park is not very big, only 5 acres but it has separate areas for big and small dogs. The main play area for large dogs is shaded and needless to say, no leash is needed.
The park is part of the Town Lake Trail, so there are water bowls, washing stations, and plenty of walking paths for owners and pets alike to enjoy. Locals like to bring pups here, so your pooch will definitely find an adorable playmate at Norwood Estate.
Zilker Metropolitan Park
2100 Barton Springs Rd.
Photos by @zilkerofficial / Instagram
For the vast majority of local residents, Zilker Metropolitan Park is “Austin’s most-loved park.” The park surface spans 351 acres and houses a variety of facilities, amenities, and events. Signature park events include Austin City Limits Music Festival held in October and Austin Trail of Lights which takes place at the end of December.
Grassy meadows cover most of the park’s surface, so Zilker Park is popular among dog owners. Their four-legged friends can get a good runout here because the leash is not required. However, keep in mind that the park is not fenced off, so make sure Fido responds well to the command “Stop!”
Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
Lady Bird Lake
Photos from Instagram
On the banks of the Colorado River sits the 14-mile-long Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. Neatly situated in downtown Houston, this trail is a dog-friendly place that more than 1.5 million people use every year.
Your dog can enjoy this trail without a leash but make sure the animal is constantly within your sight. Also, we recommend you use a leash when crossing The Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake that opened back in 2014.
Onion Creek District Park
7002 Onion Creek Dr.
Photos from Instagram
If you are searching for a dog-friendly park that is not located in downtown Austin, then head southeast of the city into Onion Creek District Park. The 179-acre park isn’t well-known among dog owners, which means you won’t encounter large crowds.
The park is off-leash, so Fido is free to explore the water features and shady trails. And if you are worried about your pet’s safety: don’t be, as mobile veterinary services reach out south of Austin as far as Kyle, and north as far as Georgetown
Shoal Creek Greenbelt
2600 N Lamar Blvd.
Photos from Instagram
Going back to downtown Austin, Shoal Creek Greenbelt is situated near the campus of the University of Texas. The 76 acres of this park are crisscrossed with scenic trails that require you to keep your dog on a leash. The area from 24th Street to 29th Street is an exception but due to high traffic, this is the loudest section of the trail, which might not suit your dog.
You can forget about the leash off the trails but keep in mind that Shoal Creek Greenbelt is a popular picnic spot. Watch over Fido unless you want it to ruin someone’s family picnic. Oh, and bring a trash bag as visitors have complained that there aren’t enough trash cans along the trail.
Yard Bar
6700 Burnet Rd.
Photos by @yardbar / Instagram
One of the oddest “dog parks” on our list is Yard Bar. This place is actually a bar (who would have thought, right) with a dog-friendly area. In order to enter the dog park, you need a monthly membership that costs $25 for one dog.
Although you have to pay to enter, the park is well-equipped with toys and water bowls, so your pooch will definitely have fun there. Plus, no one under 21 is allowed to enter and all the dogs are spayed or neutered there, so safety won’t be an issue (Bark Rangers will make sure of this).
Auditorium Shores
900 W Riverside Dr.
Photo from Yelp
Officially opened in 1959, Auditorium Shores is yet another park adjacent to Lady Bird Lake. This dog park offers the best view of Austin’s cityscape. It is situated within the larger Town Lake Park and its leash-free dog zone is ideal for pups in need of a good runout.
As the park’s name suggests, Auditorium Shores has access to Lady Bird Lake, which means dogs can swim to fetch toys. This makes the park popular in summer, when throngs of dog-lovers gather around the dog play area constructed in the early 2010s.
Barton Creek Greenbelt
3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy B.
Photos by @yardbar / Instagram
Spread out along Barton Creek, the eponymous park has seven access points in total. 809 acres in size and nearly 8 miles long, Barton Creek Greenbelt is a popular spot for bird watching, rock climbing, swimming, bouldering, and hiking.
Hiking trails are popular among dog owners in Austin because the park has ease of access. Even the fact that a leash is required won’t ruin the adventure. Humans can feel free to take a dip in the creek during the summer heat when air temperature averages 90°F.
Apart from the Yard Bar, all of the 9 dog-friendly parks in Austin we have listed are completely free to use. This is what makes local dog owners happy and proud, as they have plenty of parks where their dog can run free or where they can take Fido for a walk on a leash along a marked trail.
