The Vero Beach Dog Park is a nonprofit organization operated by Board of Directors and community volunteers. This fabulous tree lined, 5-acre green space is leased from the City of Vero Beach.
We are 100% reliant on the support of our community to provide a clean, safe environment for our furry friends. Money is not only needed for the daily operations and maintenance of the park, but for the improvements planned for the benefit of both dogs and their owners.
We have a Platinum Seal of Approval from Candid for our transparency.
Amenities include water fountains, seating areas, canopies, shade tree landscaping, waste bags and more. The park is a free public space for both dogs and their owners, open 7 days a week, dawn to dusk.
Testimonials
"I first came to Vero Beach from Boston over Christmas, hoping to get a feel for the area and find a realtor to start our next chapter. The very first thing I did was look for a dog park—and that’s how I found the Vero Beach Dog Park. Colton and I ended up spending time there every single day.
When I met with my realtor, I told her I would only consider homes in Grand Harbor or within ten minutes of the park. I already knew it would become part of our daily routine and the place where we’d meet people, make friends, and get to know the community.
I’m happy to share that we’ve now been in Vero for four weeks, and the dog park has truly become the heart of our day. We’ve spent countless hours there and have already made wonderful new friendships—like Papi’s mom and Roxy’s Pickles’ dad.
Thank you for creating a place that has made Vero feel like home so quickly. It has been a real blessing for both of us."
-Kristin & Colton “We moved to Vero in 2011 and knew no one. We eventually made our way to the dog park. In 2015, we adopted an 8-year-old magical unicorn dog who had a traumatic first 8 years. He did not like many others, let alone dogs. After daily trips to the dog park, he became at peace and loved being around other dogs. He was happy to walk the perimeter of the park, run the fence with the big dogs, and sniff other dogs that came to say hi. As for my husband and me, the dog park gave us our human community. We now have best friends due to the dog park. It really is such a great place for people and dogs. ”
“WOW, this is the best dog park in the USA!!! And I am not exaggerating— I have been to dog parks all over the country, and nowhere compares to the Vero Beach Dog Park. It’s not only a massive property with a giant area for big dogs, large area for small dogs, and a dedicated “quiet area” for our old four-legged friends, but it is also very well maintained with several shaded benches to hang out while our furry family members play with each other.
I often hear people say, “Isn’t it so special that we have this place?” And I agree. This is a special place for our dog-loving community to meet and spend time with each other. I’ve met SO MANY great people, both young and old, through the dog park. The regulars all know each other, and their dogs, by name and welcome newcomers with a smile. I recommend everyone bring their dogs here and help support it in any way they can. Thank you to those who keep this place for our community— I know I speak for a lot of people when I say thank you, we appreciate you so much. ”
“Vero Beach Dog Park is the place to go. It is easily accessible, very well maintained and so much fun to watch the dogs run and play with each other. A visit with your best friend to the park will always make your day and theirs brighter. ”
“This park is the largest, and well maintained I’ve ever visited. They have about 10 watering spots for dogs in the over 30 pounds section, and 3 location in the small dog section. Park benches scattered throughout the park many have canvas coverings for dog and human shade. Popular times seem to be 8:00 am till 10am and 4:30pm till dusk. The park could have 50 dogs and not feel crowded. Waste bags are free at the entrances. The park survives by donations and boxes for donations are located at the two entrance points. If you bring your dog here be a responsible owner and pick up your dog’s waste.”
Our History
Jim Wells was founder of the Vero Beach Dog Park. Seeing the need, Jim gathered hundreds of signatures on a petition delivered by his dog during a meeting of the City Council. On March 6, 2014, the Vero Beach Dog Park entered into a lease agreement with the City of Vero Beach for the property.
Along with a small group of dedicated volunteers, Wells established a Board of Directors that took those first important steps to raise funds to create a free, safe, off-leash environment used by hundreds of people and their dogs.
Since 2014, the dog park leaders have built on our previous capital improvements, like fencing, to include the redesign of entrances, new pavilions and sail shades, paved walkways, and handicapped parking. Other significant improvements are a shaded observation outside the park gates where people can watch the dogs at play, and a “quiet area” in the southeast corner where older people and dogs, or dogs recovering from surgeries, may play and socialize.
The dog park is visited each year by thousands of people and their dogs. It is the only free public dog park in Vero Beach and remains the only leased city property that does not charge for services. It is 100% privately funded.
