Shelby Dog Park is a roomy, grassy spot for Nashville pups to stretch their legs, tucked behind the Shelby Park Community Center in East Nashville. It’s about two acres of fenced, double-gated natural grass with water fountains and benches, inside a big riverside park just a couple of miles from downtown. It’s a friendly place for a game of fetch while you chat with other dog people.
Rules can change. Always check the Metro Nashville Parks dog park page, the Metro Parks closures list and the posted signs before you go.
What to know
- Where: Shelby Park, Shelby Avenue at South 20th Street, Nashville, TN 37206. The dog park sits behind the Shelby Park Community Center (401 S. 20th St.).
- Hours: Dawn to dusk, year-round. (Shelby Park itself stays open until 11 p.m., but the dog park closes at dusk.)
- Off-leash: Only inside the fenced dog park. Dogs must be leashed going in and coming out, and everywhere else in Shelby Park and Shelby Bottoms (Metro asks for leashes no longer than 6 feet). Keep a leash on hand for each dog even inside.
- Size: About 2.15 acres of natural grass, with benches, dog-friendly water fountains and mutt-mitt waste bag dispensers.
- Who can come: Dogs must wear current rabies and ID tags. No puppies under 4 months, no female dogs in heat and no spiked collars. Two dogs per handler at most. Kids under 10 aren’t allowed inside the fenced area.
- Inside the fence: No dog food, human food or glass containers, and no grooming. Pick up after your pup and use the trash cans provided.
- Pin: ~36.1708, -86.7336.
Tips
- It’s natural grass, so it can get muddy after a Nashville rain. Keep a towel in the car.
- Summer afternoons get hot and humid. Go early in the morning or toward evening (before dusk) and let your pup take water breaks at the fountains.
- After the dog park, enjoy a leashed stroll through the rest of Shelby Park: there are river views along the Cumberland and Sevier Lake to wander past.
- First dog park visit? Wait near the gate for a minute and let your pup sniff hello through the fence before going in.
What to pack: 6-ft leash, bags, fresh water and a bowl (in case a fountain is off), a towel and a secure harness.
How to get there
Shelby Park is in East Nashville, about two miles from downtown along the Cumberland River. Head east on Shelby Avenue to South 20th Street and look for the Shelby Park Community Center. The dog park is right behind it.
FAQ
Is Shelby Dog Park free?
Yes. Like all Metro Nashville dog parks, it’s free to use.
Is it fenced?
Yes. It’s a fully fenced, double-gated area of about two acres.
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