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By Maura Stevens

Now that the weather is warmer there are lots of people outside walking, gardening and simply enjoying being outside. Don’t forget that your furry friend may need a good leg stretch as well.  So it is a great time to visit one of the many dog parks in our area.

We have identified several dog parks in Northern Virginia to take your dog so they can enjoy the outdoors and perhaps meet a few new canine friends.

Fairfax County Park Authority operates eleven dog parks in the northern Virginia area. During the week the parks open at 7:00 AM and on weekends they open at 8:00. They close one half-hour after sunset. 

The City of Alexandria offers its furry residents both fenced and open area dog parks.  The unfenced dog parks have boundaries marked by bollards which indicate where dogs and owners can exercise. If you are looking for something more contained, Alexandria also offers fenced dog parks for owners who feel their pets do better in closed-in park area.  

Arlington County offers nine dog parks that open at sunrise with each park having its own closing time.

Another great option if you are not sure about taking your dog to a dog park is to rent a private backyard for your dog.  There is an app called Sniffspot that allows you to rent a local backyard where your dog can run and play.  Most participants require a one hour minimum and prices start at $9.00 per hour.

So whether you visit a local dog park or  prefer renting a private back yard – it is a great time to get outside with your pet.