Dog-friendly Memphis: the 100-acre Outback off-leash area at Shelby Farms, Overton Bark in Overton Park, leashed trails and the city's at-large and microchip rules.
Last checked Oct. 18, 2026. Facts come from Shelby Farms Park, the Overton Park Conservancy and Memphis Animal Services. The law itself is in the Memphis Code of Ordinances, Chapter 8.
Memphis has two big places to let a dog run: the Outback at Shelby Farms Park, more than 100 acres of off-leash fields and ponds, and Overton Bark, a fenced dog park in Midtown’s Overton Park. Everywhere else, the rule is simple: leash in hand. Questions about pets and the city’s animal rules go to Memphis Animal Services; for city services, call Memphis 311, 901-636-6500.
Quick rules
- Off your property, a dog needs a leash or secure containment; otherwise it is at-large.
- Microchip and register a new pet over 6 months old within 30 days.
- Shelby Farms Park and the Shelby Farms Greenline: leash in hand at all times, except in the Outback.
Off-leash parks
The Outback at Shelby Farms Park
The Outback is a multi-use area with more than 100 acres of open fields, ponds and unpaved trails for off-leash dogs. Because it is shared, you will meet cyclists, hikers, horses, runners, anglers and other dogs.
- Entrances: Gates 11, 12 and 13 on Trinity Road.
- Hours: daily, sunrise to sunset.
- Amenities: a water fountain with a dog bowl and a dog wash station.
- Check before you go: the park posts alerts on its site. In fall 2026 the algae advisory for the Outback lake was downgraded to precautionary, and a contractor was replacing the fence along Mullins Station Road between Gates 11 and 12.
Overton Bark in Overton Park
Overton Bark is a 1.3-acre fenced dog park in Overton Park, open daily from dawn to dusk.
- Separate areas for large and small dogs.
- Water fountains, cleanup stations and log benches for owners.
- Free and open to the public, sponsored by Hollywood Feed.
Walking with a leashed dog
- Shelby Farms Park and the Shelby Farms Greenline: dogs are welcome but must be on-leash, leash in hand, at all times outside the Outback (Shelby Farms Park).
- Overton Park is dog-friendly, with more than 8 miles of trails, including the Old Forest (Overton Park Conservancy).
- Tom Lee Park and the riverfront: Memphis River Parks’ River Line, a five-mile walking and biking trail, connects the river parks (Memphis River Parks).
More routes, distances and parking are on our walking and biking trails guide.
The leash and pet rules
From Memphis Animal Services, the most common citations:
- Dogs running at-large. A dog that leaves your property without a leash or secure containment is at-large, “even if they always come back.” An unfenced yard counts, and invisible fencing has its own requirements and signage rules.
- Unaltered dogs and cats. Memphis requires dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered unless a legal exemption applies.
- Improper outdoor housing. Outdoor dogs need shelter, shade in summer, bedding in winter, clean water and sanitary conditions.
- No microchip. Microchips are required and must be registered, within 30 days for a new pet older than 6 months.
- Abandonment and neglect, including leaving a dog tied up without care.
Tethering is allowed only within the city’s safety and length rules. Consequences range from citations and impound fees to mandatory sterilization. If you are unsure, contact Memphis Animal Services before a citation.
Patios and breweries
Dog policies on restaurant and brewery patios are set by each business. We list a patio only when the business says on its own site that dogs are welcome; none we checked did so by Oct. 18. Businesses can tell us and we will add them.
What this means for you
- For a long off-leash run, go to the Outback via Trinity Road; for a quick fenced romp in Midtown, Overton Bark.
- Keep a leash in hand everywhere else, including the Greenline.
- New dog? Microchip and register within 30 days.
Related: parks and trails, walking and biking trails and free things to do.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the off-leash dog park at Shelby Farms?
The Outback, more than 100 acres of fields, ponds and unpaved trails, is reached through Gates 11, 12 and 13 on Trinity Road. It is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Is there a dog park in Overton Park?
Yes. Overton Bark is a 1.3-acre fenced dog park open daily from dawn to dusk, with separate areas for large and small dogs, water fountains and cleanup stations. It is free.
Do dogs have to be on a leash in Memphis?
A dog off your property without a leash or secure containment is considered at-large under city rules, even if it always comes back. Shelby Farms requires a leash in hand everywhere except the Outback.
Does Memphis require dogs to be microchipped?
Yes. Memphis Animal Services says microchipping is required and the chip must be registered, within 30 days of getting a pet older than 6 months. Dogs and cats must also be spayed or neutered unless an exemption applies.
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