Stamford's main off-leash spot is the Stamford Dog Park at Courtland Park (39 Courtland Ave) — a free, volunteer-run park with separate fenced areas for big and small dogs. Beyond it, the city's beaches, trails, and green spaces give pups plenty of room to roam on-leash.
Stamford Dog Park (Courtland Park)
Opened in 2009 and run by an all-volunteer nonprofit, the Stamford Dog Park at 39 Courtland Avenue is the city's dedicated off-leash park. It's fully fenced with two separate areas — one for larger dogs and one for small, timid, or elderly dogs (under ~25 lbs) — plus shade trees and benches. It's free to use.
The rules (quick version)
- Max 2 dogs per handler.
- Dogs must be vaccinated and wear a collar with current license and rabies tags.
- Leash on entering and exiting — off-leash only inside the gates.
- No food of any kind (human or dog) inside the park.
- No females in heat, and no puppies under 4 months.
- Clean up after your dog — always.
Hours are generally early morning through evening, daily, but they do change seasonally — confirm current hours on the Stamford Dog Park site or the City of Stamford parks directory before you go.
Other dog-friendly spots
Stamford has plenty of green space to enjoy with a leashed dog:
- Cove Island Park — a favorite for waterfront walks, with a long shoreline trail and nature center (leashed; check current seasonal rules and any permit requirements).
- Cummings Park & Beach — boardwalk and Long Island Sound views, great for a leashed stroll.
- Mill River Park — downtown's greenway and riverside paths, perfect for a quick on-leash outing.
- Scalzi Park & the Mianus River trails — more room to walk and explore on-leash.
Park rules, permit requirements, and off-leash hours vary by season and can change, so it's always worth a quick check with the city before your first visit.
Buying or renting in Stamford with a dog?
Pets shape the search — fenced yards, ground-floor units, pet-friendly buildings, and proximity to parks all matter. I help dog owners find the right fit, whether that's a North Stamford home with a yard or a pet-friendly building near the water. Renting? Many Stamford buildings welcome dogs (some with breed/weight limits) — I'll point you to the ones that do. Tell me what you and your pup need →