University Terrace Off Leash Dog Area

The University Terrace Off-Leash Dog Area is a section of the University Terrace Park in the city of Santa Cruz, California. Vehicle parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood streets. This beautiful off-leash dog area is fully fenced in with waist-high metal link fencing. It is a large dog run which encompasses a steeply banked area intersected with dirt trails. The off-leash park is surfaced with a combination of grass, dirt, and fallen leaves. 

It is bordered and interspersed with tall, mature trees which offer some shade, but it is otherwise open to the elements. Some of the trails become muddy during wet weather. As some of the off-leash zone is dirt, dog owners are responsible for filling any holes dug by their animals and are also financially liable for any damage caused to trees or plant life in or out of the designated area.

Some benches have been placed at intermittent places throughout the off-leash zone and there is a water fountain installed on the perimeter of the dog park by the exit gate for both owners and their pups. Poop bags are not supplied by the Santa Cruz park authorities and pet owners must take their own supply, remove any feces left by their dog, and deposit it in the special container provided.

The University Terrace Off-Leash Dog Area a great space for exercising a dog, is more than spacious enough for even the largest breeds, and is not overly busy even during peak dog walking hours. There is also a section for small dogs. 

There are some excellent trails running through the main park where dogs can go as long as they are leashed. As an added bonus, dogs being exercised at the University Terrace Off-Leash Dog Area are able to enjoy an extra element of canine entertainment by catching the tennis balls flying out of the nearby tennis courts.