Metro Southeast is a great place for man’s best friend. There are so many places to play, explore, and have fun. While visiting these places, please note that each town and park has its own rules regarding leash laws, and that it is always important to curb your dog. These places are wonderful open spaces that welcome dogs, and locals know that. In any season, it is great to take your pup outside to have some fun.

102 Pond St. N., Attleboro

One of the best-kept dog parks in the Metro Southeast Area. There are grass and mulched areas in addition to an area for small dogs. This is a toy and treat-free park, but water is provided. Note that you need your dog's license number to sign in.

22 Emerald St., Wrentham

This park is very large and has lots of open spaces. A plus is that it is completely fenced in. If you have a shy or overly friendly dog, this park is a great place to find a place to run around without encountering other dogs. The only downside is that you need to be on the lookout for dog poop, as the park does not clean up and leaves that responsibility to the pet owners.

5 Main St., Sharon

Dogs will love to play off leash at this fenced park that has a separate small dog area and loads of room to run. Running water, water bowls, trash bins, “pick-up bags,” and toys are provided. There are comfortable benches in the sun and shade and a double-gated entry to avoid “escapees.” Reviews show a mixed bag of well-behaved and not so well-behaved dogs.  

Pleasant Street, Franklin

Beautiful open spaces and winding, color coded trails make this conservation area ideal for your pup. There are several rivers and ponds throughout the area for your water lover. DelCarte is open year round. A list of “do’s and don’ts” is posted by the trailhead of the dam on the northern lot.

259 Massapoag Ave., North Easton

Featuring over 20 miles of hiking trails ranging from moderate to difficult, you and your pup can get amazing exercise! Be sure to bring a leash as there are hikers, bikers, and other dogs along the trails. There are several ponds to stroll around and open fields. There is a parking fee of $5 for MS residents.

Oak Street, Mansfield

These trails travel through some scenic and historic areas, through farm fields, and over stone walls. It is a great place for your pup to explore! At the start of the trails, there is a map marking the five major and two minor trail choices. Some of the trails are dirt, while others have wood planking. Great for pups of all ages.

Everett Skinner Road, Plainville

This short trail winds through a canopy of birch, maple, and pine trees. The trails are mostly covered in pine needles along most of the loop. Be sure to look for and follow the white arrows to complete the loop, or explore the other trails that spur off of the loop. There is also a “bridge to nowhere,” which is an observation deck that hovers over a small pond to view wildlife and plants. The loop is short, but several miles can be added to this walk on adjacent properties.

27 Pond St. N., Attleboro

774-203-1862

An all-volunteer organization committed to nurturing and promoting the animal-human bond and creating a community where our relationship with companion animals is guided by compassion. This mission is achieved through adoptions, community awareness, fostering and caring for companion animals until loving homes can be found.

175 Fruit St., Mansfield

508-261-7339

One of the most active shelters in Southeastern, MA, with one of the highest adoption rates. They operate fully on volunteers and donations, and accept animals that are surrendered or found stray in the town of Mansfield.

84 Hill St., Norton

508-285-5159

This is an all-volunteer, nonprofit, no-kill shelter providing care, foster parenting, and adoption for cats and kittens. Not only are they looking to adopt out their kitties, but they also look for cat lovers to volunteer to nurture and care for their feline residents.

Cedar Road, North Attleboro

508-699-0128

This is a no-kill shelter that is dedicated to matching cats and dogs with their perfect owners.