Port St. Lucie's five city dog parks, the 6-foot leash rule in city parks, pet licenses, the closest dog beach and what Animal Control can cite you for.
Last checked Oct. 10, 2026. Sources: the City of Port St. Lucie’s Pet-Friendly Port St. Lucie page, Animal Control pages on violations and citations and pet licensing, and each park’s city page. Animal Control: 772-871-5042.
In Port St. Lucie every city park allows leashed dogs and the city runs five fenced dog parks, each with separate areas for smaller and larger dogs. The rules are set by the city’s animal ordinances (Chapter 92 of the city code) and enforced by the Police Department’s Animal Control Division.
Who to call
- Animal Control: 772-871-5042, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; after hours, officers can be requested through 911
- Animal Control office: 1133 SW South Macedo Blvd.
- Pet license: the city’s online application
The five city dog parks
| Dog park | Address | What is there |
|---|---|---|
| Lyngate Park & Dog Park | 1301 SE Lyngate Drive | Separate fenced areas for large, medium and small dogs; shade; water fountain |
| McChesney Park & Dog Park | 1585 SW Cashmere Blvd. | Separate areas for smaller and larger dogs |
| Riverland Paseo Park & Dog Park | 12151 SW Community Blvd. | Three compounds for small, medium and large breeds; a dog wash; opened July 30, 2024 |
| Winterlakes Park & Dog Park | 5241 NW Jannebo St. | Separate areas for large and smaller dogs, a shade structure and water fountains; park open 8 a.m. to sunset |
| Woodland Trails Park & Dog Park | 1485 SW Calmar Ave. | Dog park beside a sidewalk trail system and playground |
Dog park rules, from the city: dogs need current licenses and vaccinations; dogs that are aggressive or in heat are not allowed; owners pick up after their pets.
Walks and trails with your dog
Dogs are allowed at all city parks on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Good walking loops:
- Winterlakes Park: a lakeside walking trail of 3,923 feet, just under three-quarters of a mile, around the park.
- The Port District boardwalk: 4,300 feet along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, linked to The Preserve’s trails, 2454 SE Westmoreland Blvd.
- McCarty Ranch Preserve, 12525 Range Line Road: trails for walking and biking; pets must be leashed.
More routes are on our walking and biking trails page. The city keeps an interactive map of pet waste stations and trash cans.
The closest dog beach
The city points dog owners to Walton Rocks Beach/Dog Park, 6700 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach, run by St. Lucie County, as the closest dog-friendly beach. Check the county’s page for hours and rules.
Restaurant patios
Restaurant pet policies change often. We list a patio here only when the restaurant says on its own website that dogs are welcome. Restaurants: send us the link through our contact page.
The rules that matter
From the city’s violations and citations page:
- At large (92.03): pets must be restrained whenever they are outside the owner’s home: on a leash, in an enclosed area or secured on the owner’s property. Voice command does not count. The same rule covers dogs riding in open truck beds.
- Pick up after your dog (92.16) on sidewalks, swales, public property and other people’s property.
- Noise (92.09): no barking disturbance between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., or for five minutes or more at other times.
- Hot cars (92.14): officers may cite owners who leave animals in a vehicle without proper ventilation and water. Pets kept outdoors must come inside when the heat index reaches 100 degrees or during tropical storm or hurricane warnings.
- Limit (92.18): five domestic pets per household.
- Citations: $50 first offense, $100 second, $200 plus a mandatory court appearance for a third.
Licensing your dog
All dogs and cats over six months must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed with the city within 30 days of getting the pet or moving in; a county license is not required. Tags must be worn at all times. The city’s 2026 fees:
| License | Fee |
|---|---|
| Lifetime (spayed or neutered and microchipped) | $5, one time |
| Spayed or neutered | $5 a year (one to three years) |
| Unaltered | $15 a year (one to three years) |
| Service dog | $1, one time |
Apply online, by mail, at a participating veterinarian or at the Animal Control office. Being caught without a license carries a $55 fee. Adoptions: the Humane Society of St. Lucie County.
What this means for you
- Five fenced dog parks; Riverland Paseo has a dog wash.
- Six-foot leash in every other city park, and pick up after your dog.
- License your dog within 30 days of moving to Port St. Lucie.
Related: parks and trails, moving here and free things to do.
Frequently asked questions
Are dogs allowed in Port St. Lucie parks?
Yes. Dogs are allowed at all city parks on a leash no longer than 6 feet, and owners must pick up after them, per the city’s Pet-Friendly Port St. Lucie page.
How many dog parks does Port St. Lucie have?
Five: Lyngate, McChesney, Riverland Paseo, Winterlakes and Woodland Trails, each with separate fenced areas for smaller and larger dogs.
Do I need a dog license in Port St. Lucie?
Yes. Dogs and cats over six months old must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed with the city within 30 days of getting the pet or moving in. A county license is not required.
Where is the nearest dog beach to Port St. Lucie?
Walton Rocks Beach/Dog Park, 6700 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach, run by St. Lucie County, is the closest dog-friendly beach, per the city.
What is the fine for a dog at large in Port St. Lucie?
Animal Control citations are $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second and $200 plus a mandatory court appearance for a third.
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