Where to take a dog in Savannah: fenced dog parks at Daffin, Lake Mayer and Mother Mathilda Beasley, trails, the ferry, and the city's leash and scoop law.
Last checked Oct. 6, 2026. Rules and park details come from the City of Savannah, Chatham County Parks, Chatham Area Transit and Friends of Tide to Town, each linked below.
Savannah is a walkable city for dogs, on a leash. The city’s leash law covers every park, square and street, and owners must scoop. For off-leash time there are fenced dog parks at Daffin Park, Lake Mayer and Mother Mathilda Beasley Park. Questions about county parks go to Chatham County Parks at (912) 652-6780.
Dog rules at a glance
- City of Savannah: leash required in all parks, squares, business and residential areas
- Scoop: required; fines for leaving waste
- County parks: leash no longer than 6 feet, or inside a fenced dog park
- Never: in park buildings, on athletic fields or courts, or left unattended
- Ferry: dogs welcome on a leash or in a carrier
The leash and scoop law
The City of Savannah’s leash law requires all pets to be leashed in city parks, squares, business districts and residential areas. Owners must also pick up after their pets and should carry a bag or scoop at all times. The city says breaking either rule can bring a fine. That includes Forsyth Park and every one of the Historic District squares.
Dog parks
| Dog park | Address | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daffin Park dog park (Herty Pines) | Daffin Park, 1301 E. Victory Drive | City park | City park; trailhead parking for the Truman trail |
| Lake Mayer Community Park | 1850 E. Montgomery Crossroads | 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily | County “dog exercise area,” fenced |
| Mother Mathilda Beasley Park | 500 E. Broad St. | 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily | Separate areas for large and small dogs |
The dog park at Daffin Park, which Friends of Tide to Town calls the Herty Pines Dog Park, is also a trailhead with parking for the Police Memorial and Truman Linear Park trails, so you can pair the dog park with a long leashed walk.
Walks and trails with a dog
- Truman Linear Park Trail and Police Memorial Trail: more than 5 miles of paved, separated path from Kerry Street to Lake Mayer. See our walking and biking trails guide.
- Whitemarsh Nature Preserve, 68 Johnny Mercer Blvd.: a 2.4-mile paved loop that the county calls a favorite of dog owners, open daylight hours daily.
- Ogeechee Trail, 681 Fort Argyle Road, and Al Bungard Conservation Area, 6700 Chief of Love Road: county nature areas where dogs are allowed on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
- Lake Mayer’s 1.4-mile lake loop pairs with its fenced dog area.
Getting around with a dog
- Savannah Belles Ferry: Chatham Area Transit’s free ferry to Hutchinson Island is pet-friendly; dogs must be on a leash or in a carrier.
- DOT shuttle: CAT’s free downtown shuttle takes service dogs only.
County park rules
At Chatham County parks, dogs are allowed on a leash no longer than 6 feet or inside a fenced dog park. Owners must clean up after them and must never leave a dog unattended in or near the park. Pets are not allowed in park buildings or on athletic fields or courts. Service animals working under the Americans with Disabilities Act are allowed.
Patios and breweries
Patio and taproom dog policies are set by each business and change often.
- Congress Street Social Club, 411 W. Congress St., says on its website that its outdoor area has a dog-friendly patio, with live music and late-night grill food.
We list other restaurants, bars and breweries here only once they state a dog policy on their own website. If yours welcomes dogs, send us the link through our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Do dogs have to be on a leash in Savannah? Yes, in all city parks, squares and business and residential areas, and owners must scoop.
Where are the dog parks in Savannah? Daffin Park (Herty Pines), Lake Mayer Community Park and Mother Mathilda Beasley Park.
Can dogs ride the Savannah ferry? Yes, on a leash or in a carrier. The DOT shuttle takes service dogs only.
Are dogs allowed at Chatham County parks? Yes, on a 6-foot leash or in a fenced dog park, but not in buildings or on fields or courts.
What this means for you
- Carry a leash and bags everywhere in the city; the squares are not off-leash areas.
- For off-leash play, use a fenced dog park.
Related: walking and biking trails, parks and trails and free things to do in Savannah.
Have your say