Dog walking in Rensselaer

Normanskill

Just across the highway from Albany's Whitehall neighborhood, you'll find Normanskill Farm Dog Park, which should be your first stop if you decide to visit Rensselaer. It is just 4 miles away from Rensselaer, across the Hudson River, and has everything you and your dog could need or want. The fenced area is spacious and very clean, and there are also plenty of trails that you can walk on with your leashed pooch. An added bonus -- there is a creek here where doggies are welcome to cool off! Water bowls are provided for doggies, in addition to port-a-potties for the humans. Your pup must be vaccinated and well-behaved if you want to pay a visit to this woof-derful park.

North Albany - Shaker Park

Just around 3 miles away from Rensselaer, you can visit the Department of General Services Dog Park located in the North Albany - Shaker Park neighborhood. This off-leash, enclosed park welcomes doggies that have all the current vaccinations and play well with other pups. This large park has enough space for your pup to run around and get plenty of exercise. Running water is available, and there are doggie pools for splashing in during warm weather. For the human visitors, the park has a gazebo where pet parents can hang out while watching over their dogs. The double-entry gate ensures all dogs stay safe and sound.

Normanskill

Hartman Road Dog Park is a spacious park that welcomes all doggies, including pit bulls! The park is properly fenced and includes a gazebo and picnic tables for the doggie owners. The park is located in the Normanskill neighborhood, just 6 miles away from Rensselaer. In order to keep the park clean, waste baggies are available on-site. Fresh water and bowls are available inside, and there are even kiddie pools in the summer to help dogs cope with the heat! Be aware that the park tends to get a bit muddy after a heavy rain, so you should bring a towel with you if visiting in bad weather.

Upper Washington Avenue

This next park is open from dawn till dusk and is located around 8 miles away from Rensselaer. Westland Hills Dog Park requires all pup parents to show proof of their dogs' current vaccinations. Owners have to stay with their dogs inside the fenced area at all times. Dogs have to be leashed when they are outside of the designated off-leash area; this rule is strictly enforced. If you decide to play here, you should bring water and poop baggies with you since they're not provided in the park. When it rains, the park tends to get very muddy, so keep that in mind. 

Washington Park

Washington Park is the closest park to Rensselaer -- it's ruffly 3 miles away, across the Hudson River. Even though this park officially requires doggies to be on a leash, it is common practice for locals to let their pooches run freely. You'll have to be careful, though, since there is no fencing. Make sure your dog has good recall skills -- busy roads also cut through the park, and you wouldn't want your pooch playing in traffic! A water fountain is only available in the summer, so bring water if you're visiting in winter. You are required to pick up after your dog and to make sure your pup plays well with other doggos in the park.