Chattanooga's three city dog parks, the leash rule, pet licenses from McKamey Animal Center, and patios, breweries and trails where dogs are welcome.

Last checked Oct. 18, 2026. Rules and fees come from McKamey Animal Center and the City of Chattanooga’s park rules and parks directory; venue policies from each business’s own website.

Chattanooga is an easy city to walk a dog in, on a leash. The city has three dog parks, including an off-leash park at Greenway Farm in Hixson, and its riverfront parks and greenways allow leashed pets. Every dog living in the city needs a license and a current rabies shot. Loose, lost or neglected animals: McKamey Animal Center, 423-305-6500.

What this means for you

  • Leash: off your own property, your dog must be on a leash (under 6 feet, McKamey says) or contained.
  • License: $10 a year for a spayed or neutered pet, $50 if unaltered, through McKamey.
  • Off-leash: only inside a dog park. Greenway Farm’s is the largest.
  • Clean up: city park rules require it.

The leash rule

McKamey Animal Center enforces the animal ordinances for the cities of Chattanooga, Red Bank and Lakesite. Its summary of the running at large rule: “All dogs must be contained to a person via leash or owner’s property at all times.” Acceptable ways to contain a dog, it says, are a leash under 6 feet long, a fenced yard or pen, or a proper tether with access to a doghouse and water. The full text is in Chapter 7, Animals and Fowl, of the Chattanooga City Code.

In city parks the rules are simple: keep pets on a leash, clean up after them, and keep them out of areas where pets are prohibited.

City dog parks

Dog park Address Notes
Greenway Farm 4960 Gann Store Road, Hixson Off-leash dog park in a 180-acre park with 6 miles of trails along North Chickamauga Creek
Chattanooga Chew Chew 1809 Reggie White Blvd. Beside First Horizon Pavilion, home of the Chattanooga Market
Jack Benson Heritage Park 1428 Jenkins Road Park with a playground and walking path

Source: the city’s parks directory, filtered for dog parks. Park questions: Parks and Outdoors, 423-643-7866.

Walks and trails with a leashed dog

  • Tennessee Riverwalk: 13 paved miles from downtown to Chickamauga Dam and St. Elmo.
  • Coolidge Park and Renaissance Park on the North Shore: lawns, river views and paths, linked to downtown by the pedestrian Walnut Street Bridge.
  • Stringers Ridge: 7 miles of wooded singletrack in North Chattanooga. Hikers and bikers go in opposite directions that change by the day; check before you go.

Distances, trailheads and parking are on our walking and biking trails guide.

Patios, breweries and markets

These businesses say on their own websites that dogs are welcome:

  • Hutton & Smith Brewing Co., 431 E. M.L. King Blvd., 423-760-3600: “Cat bar, Dogs welcome.” Taproom 4 to 10 p.m. weekdays, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. huttonandsmithbrewing.com
  • Tanasi Brewing & Supplies, 3701 Hixson Pike, 423-648-2739: a veteran-owned taproom “with a Beer Garden & Dog Park out back.” Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday to Wednesday. tanasibrewing.com
  • The Chattanooga Market, First Horizon Pavilion, Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in season: no pets indoors, but dogs can use the outdoor areas and the adjacent dog park (market details).

Restaurant patio rules are set by each business and can change; ask before you sit down. Know a place that welcomes dogs? Email hello@chattanoogajournal.com with a link to its own page.

Licenses, shots and lost pets

Licenses. All cats and dogs living in Chattanooga, Red Bank and Lakesite must have a city license and a current rabies vaccination. Through McKamey’s partner DocuPet, a license costs $10 for an altered pet and $50 for an unaltered pet; it is free for owners 65 and older with up to three altered pets. Buy online or at McKamey’s admissions desk, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, 4500 N. Access Road. Residents of unincorporated Hamilton County license through the Humane Educational Society. City licenses.

Low-cost care. McKamey runs weekly low-cost vaccine and microchip clinics and low-cost spay and neuter services for Hamilton County residents.

Lost or found pets. Call McKamey at 423-305-6500 or check its lost and found pets page.

Related: parks and trails, brunch and free things to do.

Frequently asked questions

What is the leash law in Chattanooga?

All dogs must be kept on a leash or on the owner’s property at all times; no dog may roam free. McKamey Animal Center, which enforces the city’s animal ordinances, says a leash should be under 6 feet. City parks also require pets on a leash.

Where are the dog parks in Chattanooga?

The city lists three: the off-leash dog park at Greenway Farm, 4960 Gann Store Road in Hixson; Chattanooga Chew Chew, 1809 Reggie White Blvd., by First Horizon Pavilion; and Jack Benson Heritage Park, 1428 Jenkins Road.

Do I need a dog license in Chattanooga?

Yes. Every dog and cat living in Chattanooga, Red Bank or Lakesite needs a city license from McKamey Animal Center and a current rabies vaccination. The license is $10 for a spayed or neutered pet and $50 for an unaltered one; it is free for owners 65 and older with up to three altered pets.

Can I bring my dog to the Chattanooga Market?

Not indoors. The market says pets are not allowed inside because of health rules, but dogs can use the outdoor areas and the dog park next to First Horizon Pavilion.

Who do I call about a loose or neglected dog in Chattanooga?

McKamey Animal Center, 423-305-6500, press 1. In unincorporated Hamilton County call the Humane Educational Society at 423-624-5302; in East Ridge, East Ridge Animal Services at 423-633-7774.