Dog-friendly Augusta: parks, patios, trails and leash rules

Augusta's dog parks at Pendleton King and Valley Park, the city's leash law and dog park rules, plus patios, trails and the Riverwalk that welcome dogs.

Last checked Oct. 6, 2026. Leash and dog park rules come from Augusta’s animal ordinance, Title 4 of the city code as amended in 2025; parks from the city’s park finder; patios from Visit Augusta’s list of dog-friendly places. Restaurants can change their patio policy, so ask when you arrive.

Augusta has two city dog parks, at Pendleton King Park and Valley Park, , and the Riverwalk, canal trails and Phinizy Swamp are all open to leashed dogs, Visit Augusta says. Everywhere outside those dog parks, the city’s code says a dog in public must be on a leash and with a person.

Who to call

Strays, bites and dangerous dogs: Augusta Animal Services, 4164 Mack Lane, 706-790-6836; complaints 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays

After hours, weekends and holidays: 706-821-1080

Park problems: Augusta 311, dial 3-1-1 or 706-821-2300

The leash rules

From Augusta’s animal ordinance:

On the street, on a leash. It is unlawful for a dog to be on the public streets except on a leash and with a person, or inside a vehicle, cage, crate or other container (Sec. 4-1-19).
No running at large. No animal may be out of control, unattended off its owner’s property or running at large. Off-leash dogs are allowed in the city’s off-leash dog parks (Sec. 4-1-18).
At home, a dog must be securely enclosed, or on a leash, or off leash only under voice command with its owner close by.
Pick it up. Owners must remove their animal’s waste from public walks, recreation areas and other property right away.
Hot cars. It is unlawful to leave an animal in a parked vehicle in a way that endangers it; the code presumes danger after five minutes when it is above 85 degrees or below 35 degrees outside (Sec. 4-1-32).

Any animal found stray or running at large is seized by Animal Control (Sec. 4-1-20).

Dog parks

The city’s park finder lists two:

Dog park	Address	Also in the park
Pendleton King Park	1600 Troupe St.	Disc golf, walking trail, lake, playground, shelters
Valley Park	1805 Valley Park E.	Neighborhood park

Dog park rules, from Sec. 4-1-31 of the code:

Use the park only during normal hours; off-leash only in the fenced area.
Handlers must be at least 18, and each adult may bring no more than two dogs.
Dogs must be leashed coming in and going out, and handlers must carry a leash inside.
Current rabies vaccination and tags are required. Remove spike collars before you go in.
No puppies under 4 months, no female dogs in heat, no other animals.
Clean up after your dog and fill any holes it digs.
No food except training treats, no glass, no alcohol, no smoking and no grooming.
Children under 16 must be with an adult.
An aggressive dog must be leashed and taken out at once.

Walks and trails

Visit Augusta’s dog-friendly adventures guide recommends:

The Augusta Riverwalk, along the Savannah River downtown, including the Saturday market on the river in season.
The Augusta Canal trails, with shaded paths along the canal; start near Savannah Rapids Park at the Headgates.
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, 1858 Lock and Dam Road, with trails and boardwalks through the wetlands.
Rae’s Creek Aqueduct Park, a short walk by the historic aqueduct on the canal system.
Mistletoe State Park on Clarks Hill Lake, a drive from town, where dogs are welcome on the trails.

Distances and trailheads are on our walking and biking trails guide.

Patios that welcome dogs

Visit Augusta’s dog-friendly restaurants list names these patios:

Arsenal Taproom and Kitchen in Midtown, outdoor seating
Beamie’s at the River, near the Riverwalk, pet-friendly patio
Bodega Ultima, 353 Highland Ave., Surrey Center, outdoor patio
Doc’s Porchside, porch-style patio
Finch and Fifth, 379 Highland Ave., Surrey Center, outdoor patio
New Moon Cafe, 936 Broad St., covered outdoor seating
Savannah River Brewing Company, where Visit Augusta says dogs often get treats and water

Dogs are also welcome inside Augusta and Co., the visitor center and shop on Broad Street, Visit Augusta says.

Frequently asked questions

Does Augusta have a leash law? Yes. Augusta’s code makes it unlawful for a dog to be on the public streets except on a leash and with a person, or inside a vehicle or crate. Off-leash dogs are allowed only inside the city’s dog parks.

Where are the dog parks in Augusta? Pendleton King Park, 1600 Troupe St., and Valley Park, 1805 Valley Park E.

What are the rules at Augusta dog parks? Handlers must be 18 or older, bring no more than two dogs, keep dogs leashed going in and out, clean up after them and have current rabies tags.

Do I have to pick up after my dog in Augusta? Yes. The city code makes owners responsible for removing their animal’s waste from public walks, recreation areas and other property right away.

Who do I call about a stray or dangerous dog in Augusta? Augusta Animal Services, 706-790-6836, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; after hours, 706-821-1080.

What this means for you

Leash on everywhere except inside the fenced dog parks.
Bring bags; the code requires you to pick up.
Never leave a dog in a parked car on a hot day; five minutes above 85 degrees is presumed dangerous.
Two dogs per adult at the dog parks, and no puppies under 4 months.