Admit it: On occasion, you love your dog more than anyone else! It’s easy to understand why; when you come home from a run exhausted — competed in a marathon and wound up with a lousy time — or when life is too depressing to manage, your pup is ready to greet you with licks, wags and unconditional love. Besides, you enjoy a well-rounded life that includes training time for running events, conditioning your body and participating in marathons, so shouldn’t your four-legged friend enjoy the same experiences? As his/her owner, you can pick and choose when to go, but it’s up to you to make sure you choose a dog park with as many amenities as possible so your pooch stays as healthy and fit as his owner. These nine venues are bound to strike your fancy!
1. Bishan Park Dog Run
Location: Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 at 1382
Opening hours: 24/7, park is lit between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.
It’s conveniently located, a stone’s throw from a car park, fenced on two sides so small dogs and big dogs are separated when running off-leash and the Bishan Park Dog Run is a Mecca for runners with active canines. It gets crowded on weekends at Bishan, but not to worry. You and your pal will be welcomed into this happy community with open arms. Do you like scheduling mutual exercise time at night rather than during the day when things are crowded? This park is open 24/7 and lit between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., so show up and enjoy the wide open spaces. Managed by Singapore’s National Parks Board, Bishan encourages your pet to be as sociable as he likes, so whether he’s rubbing noses or ignoring other dogs in favour of racing across the turf, your experience will leave you both fit and happy. One word of caution: Frequent Bishan visitor dogs can be territorial, so if you’re new, keep an eye on your pet while you’re there.
2. Jurong Lake Park Pet Park
Location: Yuan Ching Road–adjacent to the former Tang Dynasty City property
Opening hours: 24/7 (but no night park lights)
Take your dog to a park that hasn’t been tainted by scandals or fleas by visiting this little-known recreational area. It’s the place to go if you prefer to train both your dog and your body during daylight hours, because developers have yet to install night lighting comparable to utilities found at other area dog park venues. The car park isn’t as conveniently near Jurong Lake Park as you might like, but isn’t the point of spending time running with your dog in the outdoors a way to get both of you much-needed exercise? Why not start your run at the car park and by the time you get to Jurong, you’ll both be warmed up. Though the park lacks signposts, you’ll be getting more one-on-one time with your dog here compared to the more heavily populated and established dog parks, so weigh your options before you get out that leash!
3. Katong Park Dog Run
Location: Intersection of Fort Road and Meyer Road
Opening hours: 24/7, park lights stay on until 10 p.m.
Do you prefer to exercise amid beautiful, stately trees? Your dog might too! Enjoy a unique and winding obstacle course that you can design just for your dog surrounded by Katong’s lush trees so you both get a great workout. Formerly managed by folks running the German Shepherd Dog Club of Singapore, Katong is now part of the NParks system, so it’s nicely maintained and a popular sporting venue for people and pets. Whether you seek a mix of running and “etiquette” exercises or just an opportunity to socialize your dog with others to reinforce other training you provide, your pup will be a great, well-behaved companion once he gets the hang of the routine you create. This dog run may be small but fenced safety areas and agility facilities will give you and your dog a complete experience if you wish to put him through his paces and grab a little conditioning yourself.
4. West Coast Park Dog Run
Location: Pasir Panjang Road, parallel to West Coast Highway
Opening hours: 24/7, park is lit from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
While this dog run got some negative publicity when an aggressive dog fatally assaulted a puppy, don’t let that stop you from visiting! West Coast Park offers amenities galore for you and your active dog. Combine your personal fitness routine with that of your dog so you both leave feeling spent and content. West Coast remains a favourite venue for regulars because it’s designed for fun and safety: Signs advise owners to muzzle aggressive large breeds for the protection of others and you’ll enjoy a full complement of extras that range from table benches, helpful signposts, free bio-degradable poo bags, and water taps for filling dog bowls. The park’s agility obstacle course is designed to tone canine muscles and reinforce discipline. Day or night, come tear around the park, throw a Frisbee or just hang out!
5. Pet Movers’ Dog Run
Location: 4 Pasir Ris Farmway 2
Opening hours: Weekdays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Weekends, 9.30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Is your dog as precious as your child? Then Pet Movers’ Dog Run should remain at the top of your list of places to experience. No pesticides are applied to the grass. Not only does this park feature Singapore’s first doggie wading pool, there are also separate fenced-in areas for small dogs only, so nobody threatens the little guys. Big, powerful dogs must wear muzzles as an extra safety measure. Pets Megamart, a canine boutique, is located adjacent to the park and as long as your dog is carrying your wallet, she can shop there on her own, according to store employees! Pet Movers’ will give your dog a healthy workout and you can groom him when you’re done using the free shampoo kept in the bathing area. Treat yourself to a snack at the café while your pet has fun if you’ve already trained too many days on your own and just want to watch!
6. Animal Resort OffLeash Park
Location: 81 Seletar West Farmway 5
Opening hours: Open daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Let’s say that small, cramped, city-tight dog parks are neither your cup of tea nor does your active dog like to hang out at a park that’s crammed with four-legged canines. Experience the two-hectare Animal Resort Off-Leash Park and fall in love: it sprawls across half a football field! Enjoy social areas with tables, benches and agility run facilities. While your dog may be distracted by geese and ducks housed on an adjacent farm, they will find plenty of dogs running freely around the property as the two of you work out your stress. If the park is crowded and your best friend is the size of a large truck, he may be asked to wear a muzzle. This park stresses their policy: Owners must remain attentive to their pets if they want to be frequent visitors. There are even weekend getaway activities organized by dog groups (rictedkennels) at the property. Want to show your dog how much you appreciate his support on the days you don’t want to train but run anyway? Book a groomer appointment or check him into the pet motel on premises!
7. Tanjong Beach
Location: Tanjong Beach, Sentosa, just after Tanjong Beach Club
Opening hours: 24/7
Do you get the best workout and training experience running on beaches to tone your calves and thighs? Your dog might enjoy the feel of sand between his feet, too, so head for Sentosa island’s Tanjong Beach, a secret meet-up location for dog owners who know that while leashes are a must, canines can perfect their dog paddle in the surf where they’re encouraged to go for a swim. If you haven’t hit the waves with your dog before, it’s a treat, but once you’re back on the beach, that leash is mandatory. The best time to visit is before 11 a.m. because this popular beach can get crowded with dogs and humans later on. Be advised that there’s a vehicle park fee ranging from S$2 to $7 depending upon your arrival time. After you’ve enjoyed some active time, show up at the Tanjong Beach Club (120 Tanjong Beach Walk) for doggie and owner refreshments or hit Coastes at 50 Siloso Beach Walk where you and your dog can share a little beach brollies time. Closed on Mondays, the Tanjong Beach Club is open between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday, and between 10 a.m. and 12 a.m. on weekends.
8. Sembawang Park
Location: Enter from Sembawang Road
Opening hours: 24/7
Hamsters and kitties and parrots, oh my! All were invited on the day Sembawang Park held a pet carnival announcing this new off-leash dog park that’s the sixth official Singapore dog run. At 2,700 sq. m, there’s plenty of space, but after the party ended, this became a dogs-only paradise. The park’s fenced-in area is the size of 2.5 basketball courts. The Parks Board urges visitors to encourage Rex to mind his manners. Your job? Keep him leashed outside the run, monitor him when he noses around other canines and babies and we don’t have to tell you to clean up after him, do we? After you two enjoy time together at the former Sembawang Shipyard British Naval Base site, treat yourself to the foot reflexology footpath for being a good doggie parent.
9. K9 Kulture
Location: 100 Turf Club Road
Opening hours: Pool opens on Tuesday – Friday, 2.30 p.m. – 5.30 p.m.; Weekends and Public Holidays, 1.30 p.m. – 6.30 p.m.
Did we save the best for last? Perhaps. K9 Culture is like Disney World for dogs, only you don’t have to wait in line for rides and you get to share in the laughs. The swimming pool for pooches allows your pet to paddle, splash and interact with other dogs, but at a price. The size of your dog and the amount of time you want him to frolic determine your fees, so bring your wallet. Towel dry your dog before racing across the grassy area reserved just for pet games, dog training classes and fun. This facility holds holiday parties for dogs, but as a runner, your foremost interest is opportunities to condition your dog, so stick to the pool and grassy area activities and you’ll both leave exhausted. By the way, training classes aren’t free, but they’re worth the money if your dog could use a little discipline. On the other hand, if you want to show your pet how beautifully she performed, visit the diner serving human and canine fare. Located at 110 Turf Road, the K9 Kafé is open Tuesday to Friday between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., as well as on weekends and public holidays between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Running with Your Dog
Do you choose a dog park based on proximity to your home, or are you such a dedicated pet parent that you’re willing to allocate extra time and drive a distance to give your puppy the most number of amenities? We’d love to know your preference – and if you happen to know of a dog-friendly park that’s new to the scene, please let us know too. Feel free to sign your communication using the name of your pet. We’ll be happy to give him or her credit for writing the review!
