Forgey Dog Park is open dawn to dusk year-round for registered dogs ($40 a year for residents). Leash rules for Germantown parks, the Greenway and patios.

Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. Rules and fees come from the City of Germantown Forgey Dog Park page, its parks and amenities page and the city Code of Ordinances. Parks and Recreation: 901-757-7375.

Germantown has one off-leash area, Forgey Dog Park at 1695 Riverdale Road, open dawn to dusk every day of the year for dogs registered with the city. Everywhere else, dogs must be on a leash: in every city park, on the Germantown Greenway and in the Wolf River Nature Area, and owners must pick up after them.

Who to call

  • Dog Park card, park rules: Parks and Recreation, 2276 West St., 901-757-7375, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays
  • Lost or found dog, adoptions: Germantown Animal Shelter, 7700 Southern Ave., 901-757-7358
  • Loose or dangerous dog now: police non-emergency, 901-754-7222; emergency, 911

Forgey Dog Park

Where: Forgey Park, 1695 Riverdale Road. The park also has a small lake and trails.

Hours: dawn to dusk, 365 days a year. The city may close it without notice for emergencies, maintenance and repairs.

Registration: buy a Dog Park card at the Parks and Recreation office, 2276 West St. Bring proof of current vaccinations and a water or utility bill. Up to three registered dogs per household.

Card Resident Nonresident
First dog $40 $60
Each additional dog $10 $15
Replacement card $15 $15

Memberships renew each year on or after July 1; nonresident slots depend on space.

Key rules from the city’s list:

  • Leashes come off only inside the fenced area; dogs are leashed in the parking lot and walkways.
  • An adult 18 or older must supervise; children under 18 need an adult with them.
  • No more than three dogs per person at a time.
  • All dogs must be licensed and vaccinated. No puppies under six months, and no dogs in heat or sick.
  • No prong, choke or spiked collars inside, and no dog on a leash inside the fence.
  • No food, glass, alcohol or tobacco; small training treats only.
  • Owners clean up after their dogs everywhere, or face a fine.
  • Aggressive dogs are banned.

Walking with your dog

The Germantown Greenway has more than 10 miles of paved trail along the Wolf River and between Johnson Road Park and Houston Levee Park, with trailheads and parking listed on our walking and biking trails page. Dogs must be leashed.

City parks are open dawn to dusk. Park rangers patrol in marked vehicles. Shady loops include the half-mile lighted trail around the lake at Cameron Brown Park, 8628 Farmington Blvd., and the paved loop at Germantown Station Park, 3061 Laurinburg Circle. More parks in our parks and trails guide.

Patios and events

  • Restaurant patios: each restaurant sets its own policy. The Toasted Yolk Cafe, for example, says many of its locations welcome dogs on outdoor patios and to check with the cafe first. Call ahead.
  • The Grove at GPAC: pets are not permitted; service animals are (GPAC FAQ).
  • Running of the Weenies: the Germantown Animal Shelter’s dachshund race at the Germantown Festival each September; see Labor Day.

Adopt or foster

The Germantown Animal Shelter, 7700 Southern Ave., said on Oct. 14 that it had reached maximum capacity for dogs and was looking for foster and adoptive homes (city news). Call 901-757-7358.

Related: free things to do, kids’ activities and parks and trails.

Frequently asked questions

Does Germantown, TN, have a dog park?

Yes. Forgey Dog Park, in Forgey Park at 1695 Riverdale Road, is a fenced off-leash area open dawn to dusk 365 days a year. Dogs must be registered with a Dog Park card from Parks and Recreation.

How much is a Germantown dog park card?

Residents pay $40 for one dog and $10 for each additional dog; nonresidents pay $60 and $15. Cards renew each year on or after July 1, with a limit of three dogs per household.

Do dogs have to be on a leash in Germantown parks?

Yes. Pets must be leashed in all city parks, sports complexes, the Wolf River Nature Area and on the Greenway, and owners must pick up after them. The only exception is inside the fenced dog park.

Are dogs allowed at The Grove at GPAC?

No. GPAC says pets are not permitted in The Grove; service animals are, and the box office asks to be told on arrival.