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

There’s no shortage of terrain to explore here. Dogs are welcome on the trails, as long as they’re leashed. This is a great spot to check out fall foliage! The 3.2-mile trail loop has lots of traffic and easy parking. Open April to October, this is a fun and easy trail for the less adventurous hiker. 

Spanning nearly 1,000 acres, this is a huge parcel of conservation land. There’s a beach, woods with well-marked trails, open fields and a dog park.The dog park is one of the few in the area with a beach, and is favored by people throughout the area during the summer. Be sure to bring a towel for your pup! Parking is free but can fill up quickly in the height of the season. 

This park includes loads of fun for everyone; with over 1,500 acres of forest to explore, beaches and swimming, this is a wonderful resource. Dogs are allowed on leash, and only on the beach between September 16 and April 30. There are picnic areas, restrooms, and even a boathouse. Parking is $8 May-October and occasionally reaches capacity. This is a true local gem, and is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, who are present throughout the park. 

This is a fenced-in park, where dogs can roam free. There are plenty of dog owners here, ready to socialize and talk with other dog lovers. The park is run by the Medway Parks and Recreation Department, who work to maintain the ample benches, toys and cleaning supplies available to the public. 

A great place, with acres of open fields to walk on leash, or wind through the woods. This is a scenic spot, and a wonderful place to view a breathtaking sunset. A fenced-in dog area allows for off-leash play, but all dogs in this area must be licensed by their town and with Tufts University for a nominal fee.

This 2-mile long hike is quiet and serene. The 100 acres of woods were gifted to the Upper Charles Conservation Corp, and there is a network of footpaths that are fun to explore. Trails are easy to navigate, although poison ivy can be found in the height of the season – be sure to keep your pup leashed and on the trail to avoid any trouble! The woods and boardwalks are truly beautiful.

Great off-leash walking for dogs. Make sure leash is on in the parking lot.

Ashland, MA  

Has lots of cats and kittens, and work to help match these felines with the right companions.

Has both dogs and cats; their unique approach to creating personal care through their shelter helps animals easily transition to their new families. 

A foster-based animal rescue where you can adopt a rescued dog, puppy, cat or kitten.

Buddy Dog 

Known throughout the region for helping to rescue “last chance” dogs from across the country, and giving them a second chance.

Humane society that focuses on abandoned dog re-homing. Dogs come from all over the country, predominantly form high-volume shelters in the rural South.