Dog walking in Milford

Milford City

The Eisenhower Park is located at 780 North Street. This park of 200 acres has miles of walking trails. Leashes required, though. There are picnic facilities and a playground. Bring a lunch and rest under one of the mature Eastern Oaks. The park includes a fenced in area for dogs to have a bit of off-leash fun and socialization. The area has soft green grass and a bit of dirt (no wood chips here). All dogs must play together. There is no separate area for small dogs. Cleanup receptacles are readily available, but no water. Chairs under shade trees give human companions a bit of rest while furry-friend plays.

Fairfield

Fourteen miles southwest of Milford is Fairfield, home of Jennings Beach. Jennings Beach is a 27-acre public beach located at 880 S. Benson Rd. It is the only off-leash beach in Connecticut. Dogs are allowed on the beach from October 1st to March 31st. Parking is free during this period of time. Nothing feels better between the paws than the squishy sand of a beach! Dogs must be on-leash in the parking lot, on boardwalks, and by concession stands. Cleaning up after dogs is required. Horses occupy this beach, too. Pet companions should have good voice command to safely enjoy this activity.

Southbury

Twenty-six miles northwest of Milford is Southbury, home of the Southbury Dog Park. This dog park is located at 236 Roxbury Rd. This a very large natural area for off-leash running and socialization. There is an area for small dogs, too. The area is not completely fenced in, though. A few picnic benches dot the landscape of this expansive rolling green landscape. A small stream runs through the large dog area, and provides a cool dip on a summer’s day. This area was donated by a local industry and is maintained by the City of Southbury. There are no amenities available here, so bring your own water and clean up bags.

Branford

A short 16 miles northeast of Milford is the dog park at Young’s Pond in Branford. This is an off-leash dog park within Branford Park. The main park itself has so many trails for on-leash walking in the woods, but the Young’s Pond dog park is something really special. The dog park is only partially enclosed by a stone wall. The pond is set in the middle of mature forest, and dogs love taking a cool dip in it on a summer day. On the way back, stop in at Ashley’s Ice Cream at 1018 Main Street, where dogs are always welcome on the outdoor patio.

Hamden

A sixteen mile drive northeast will take you and your dog to the Hamden Dog Park.The City of Hamden operates the Hamden Dog Park located at 300 Waite St. It is part of the larger Bassett Park. This fenced enclosure makes a dog feel at home. There is a separate enclosure for small dogs. The surface is wood chips. There is plenty of shade, and the park provides water and water bowls. Bags for cleanup are available, too. There are a few toys and tennis balls. This park attracts dogs from around town and beyond. It can be even crowded on some days. The large dog enclosure, though, can handle a crowd. This is the pawfect place for dogs to learn how to socialize with their fellow fur-iends.