NYC Off-Leash Rules As Applied to Central Park


 

Except as permitted by the Parks Commissioner, all dogs in city parks must be restrained by a leash no longer than six feet in length.

 

Unless otherwise prohibited, dogs may be unleashed within designated parks or portions of a park between the hours of 9 pm and 9 am.

 

All dogs must wear a license tag and proof of vaccination against rabies.

 

No dogs (leashed or unleashed) are permitted in any playground; zoo; swimming pool; fountain; ballfield; or basketball, handball, or tennis court.

 

Although bridle paths in most city parks are off-limits to all dogs any time, leashed dogs are permitted on the Central Park bridle path.

 

All dogs (leashed or unleashed) must be kept under the control of their owner and shall not harass or harm any park patron, animal (including other dogs), or vegetation.

 

Any unleashed dog must be leashed immediately upon request by any police officer, park ranger, PEP officer, or official of the Parks or Health departments.