Where you can exercise your dog

Keep your dog on a leash unless you're in a designated off-leash area. Palmerston North has dog exercise areas where your dog can run free.

Key rules for exercising your dog

• You must keep your dog under control at all times.
• You must carry a leash with you.
• Your dog must be on a leash outside designated areas.
• Prohibited areas apply even if your dog is on a leash.

"Under control" means your dog stays close, responds to you, and does not bother other people, other dogs, or wildlife.

Where your dog can go off-leash

You can let your dog off-leash in designated dog exercise areas across the city.

Use our map to see the full list of locations where off-leash rules apply.

If you can't use the map, contact us and we can help you find a suitable area.

Some areas, like shared paths, may only allow off-leash dogs in specific sections. Please observe any signs while you're out walking.

These are shared spaces. Please be considerate of others.

Fully-fenced dog parks

We have 2 fully-fenced dog parks with agility equipment where your dog can run and play. They are: 

Ahimate Dog Park

Linklater Reserve

Where you can't take your dog

You can't take your dog into prohibited areas, even on a leash.

This includes:

• within 30 metres of a playground
• sportsfields
• cemeteries.

Check the red areas on the map to see where dogs are not allowed.

You can also read the Dog Control Bylaw for the full list of prohibited places.

Need help?

If you're not sure where you can take your dog, contact us and we'll help you find the right place.