Lexington's eight dog parks and dog lots with addresses and acreage, the park rules, Yappy Hour, dog-friendly patios and where dogs are not allowed.

Last checked Oct. 16, 2026. Dog park details come from Lexington Parks and Recreation. Animal Care and Control: 859-255-9033.

Lexington has eight places to let a dog off leash, six dog parks and two smaller dog lots, plus a monthly Yappy Hour from spring to fall and patios that welcome dogs. Here is where to go, and where dogs are not allowed.

Dog parks and dog lots

Park Address Size What is there (city list)
Masterson Station 3051 Leestown Road 13.5 acres, two paddocks Mature shade trees, water hydrant in each paddock, benches
Coldstream 1850 Pisacano Drive 12 acres, two paddocks Separate paddock for small dogs, water hydrant, benches
Cardinal Run Park North 2075 Parkers Mill Road 9 acres, two paddocks Water in both paddocks, heavy tree cover, benches
Jacobson Park 4001 Athens-Boonesboro Road 8 acres, two paddocks Shade, water hydrant, benches
Wellington Park 565 Wellington Way 7 acres, two paddocks Mature shade trees; water hydrant outside the dog park
Veterans Park 650 Southpoint Drive 4 acres, two paddocks Accessible fountain with pet bowl, shade structure in each paddock
Pleasant Ridge Park (dog lot) 1350 Pleasant Ridge Drive 0.5 acre Water at the shelter and restroom building by the parking lot
Phoenix Park (dog lot) 100 E. Main St. 0.1 acre Downtown; raised concrete hill and self-draining artificial turf

The city posts paddock closures for construction or repairs on the dog parks page, so check it before a long drive.

Dog park rules

From the city’s posted rules:

  • Owners are legally responsible for their dogs and must clean up after them.
  • Off-leash does not mean unsupervised: stay inside the park and within view of your dog.
  • Dogs must be leashed entering and leaving, and you must carry a leash at all times.
  • Aggressive dogs must be leashed and removed immediately.
  • Every dog needs proof of licensing and vaccinations. Female dogs in heat are not allowed.
  • Children under 13 must be with an adult. No food for people or dogs inside.
  • Fill any holes your dog digs.

Parks staff or police can ask anyone who breaks the rules to leave.

Leash law and licenses

Outside the dog parks, Lexington’s Code of Ordinances governs dogs running at large (Sec. 4-19), taking unleashed dogs into parks (Sec. 4-17) and the license required for dogs and cats (Sec. 4-12.3). The city links all three from its being a good neighbor page.

Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control (lfacc.org), 1600 Old Frankfort Pike at Exit 6 off New Circle Road, handles strays, lost and found pets and complaints: 859-255-9033. The city says to call it about aggressive dog behavior during business hours, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, and to leave a voice message after hours.

Where dogs are not allowed

  • Raven Run Nature Sanctuary and McConnell Springs Park: no pets (or bikes), according to the city’s trails list.
  • City pools: no animals except service animals, which may be on the deck but not in the water.
  • Friday Flicks movie nights at Jacobson Park: the city says pets are not permitted, for safety.

Yappy Hour and other dog events

Lexington Parks and Recreation runs Yappy Hour once a month at a different dog park, with food and drink trucks, live music, frozen dessert and activities for dogs and owners. The 2026 season ran from April 1 at Cardinal Run Park North to September at Wellington Park, and ends with Howl-o-Ween at Masterson Station Park on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with a dog costume contest (entry by donation), according to the city’s fall events page. Admission is free.

The free Southland Jamboree bluegrass concerts on summer Thursday evenings at Moondance Amphitheater allow well-behaved dogs, the city says.

Patios and taprooms

In the Distillery District, Wise Bird Cider Co., 1170 Manchester St., says on its own website that it is dog and kid friendly, with a patio over Town Branch Creek. The district’s guide says Ethereal Brewing, 1224 Manchester St., welcomes dogs on its outdoor seating.

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Frequently asked questions

Where are the dog parks in Lexington?

The city lists dog parks at Cardinal Run Park North, Coldstream, Jacobson, Masterson Station, Veterans and Wellington parks, and two smaller dog lots at Phoenix Park downtown and Pleasant Ridge Park.

What is the biggest dog park in Lexington?

Masterson Station dog park, 3051 Leestown Road, covers 13.5 acres in two paddocks. Coldstream, 1850 Pisacano Drive, has 12 acres and a separate paddock for small dogs.

Can I take my dog to Raven Run or McConnell Springs?

No. The city’s trail list says no bikes or pets at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary or McConnell Springs Park.

What is Yappy Hour in Lexington?

A monthly evening at a different city dog park with food and drink trucks, live music and activities for dogs and owners, run by Lexington Parks and Recreation from April to October.

Who do I call about an aggressive dog in Lexington?

Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control at 859-255-9033, 1600 Old Frankfort Pike.