Dog-friendly Leesburg: parks, patios, trails and leash rules

Last checked Oct. 20, 2026. Sources: the Town of Leesburg’s dog park rules and Summer JAMS page, Loudoun County Animal Services and dog licenses, Morven Park, NOVA Parks and the town’s news releases.

Leesburg has one fenced off-leash dog park, at Olde Izaak Walton Park, and a lot of leashed walking: Morven Park’s 1,000 acres, the W&OD Trail and the town’s bike network. Everywhere else, Loudoun County’s leash law applies: dogs must be leashed unless on the owner’s property or inside a fenced dog park. To report a loose or dangerous dog, call Loudoun County Animal Services at 703-777-0406.

Who to call

• Loudoun County Animal Services (reports, licenses): 703-777-0406
• Leesburg Dog Park problems: Ida Lee Park Recreation Center, 703-777-1368
• Leesburg police non-emergency: 703-771-4500
• W&OD Trail office (NOVA Parks): 703-729-0596

The Leesburg Dog Park, Olde Izaak Walton Park

The Leesburg Dog Park is a fenced off-leash area inside Olde Izaak Walton Park, 850 Davis Ave. SE, with a separate small-dog area for dogs under 25 pounds, water, and benches inside and outside the fence. It is open dawn to dusk, seven days a week. The park also has fishing and walking trails (see our parks and trails guide).

The main rules, from the town:

• Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated and wear a visible license.
• No puppies under 4 months and no female dogs in heat. Spaying or neutering is strongly recommended.
• Leash on entering and leaving; leash off inside the fence. Close the gates fully first.
• No spiked collars, no grooming and no professional training without written permission.
• No children 8 and under. Children 9 to 15 must be with a handler; handlers must be 16 or older.
• Two dogs per handler, and keep the leash with you.
• Pick up after your dog right away and fill any holes it digs.
• No smoking, food or glass containers; keep training treats to a minimum.
• Leave at the first sign of aggression. Handlers are responsible for any injuries their dogs cause.

Trails for leashed dogs

• Morven Park, 17195 Southern Planter Lane. The estate’s trails welcome pets on a leash at all times, and owners must clean up after them. About 400 acres sit on the wooded Catoctin Ridge, where the 1.24-mile Ridge Top Trail climbs 200 feet to the park’s highest point. Bicycles and strollers are not allowed on that trail. The grounds are free and open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and Morven Park strictly enforces leash rules. Members can bring their dogs to its Barks in the Park event, which in 2026 is 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 (details).
• The W&OD Trail. NOVA Parks’ trail guidelines say to keep pets on a short leash and under control at all times, on the right shoulder of the trail next to the owner. In town you can join the trail at Foxridge, Georgetown and Raflo parks.
• Town bike network and park trails. The Blue and Green trails and the walking loops in the town parks are listed in our walking and biking trails guide. The county leash law applies on all of them.

Patios and places that welcome dogs

• FireWorks Pizza, 201 Harrison St. SE. The town noted at the restaurant’s 20th anniversary in October 2026 that FireWorks has built “a community of dog lovers” with its Food for Fido menu, a Pups on the Patio contest and logoed dog bowls (town release).
• Village at Leesburg has run a kids and pet costume contest at its fall Monster Mash (events page).

Ask the restaurant or shop before you bring a dog, and plan on patio seating.

Where dogs are not allowed

• Summer JAMS concerts on the Town Green: no pets in the grass listening area; stay on the sidewalk with your dog (town page).
• Freeze Your Gizzard 5K at Ida Lee Park: no dogs on the course (race page).

Licenses and the leash law

Loudoun County requires every dog 4 months and older to be licensed; not licensing a dog is a Class 4 misdemeanor with a fine of up to $250. The county’s leash law requires dogs to be leashed unless they are on the owner’s property, in a fenced dog park, lawfully hunting, in a formal obedience class or a service animal under the handler’s control. The full text is in the Loudoun County Code, Chapter 612.13, under Running at Large.

What this means for you

Bring a license tag and a leash everywhere, including to the dog park gate. For an off-leash run, go to Olde Izaak Walton Park between dawn and dusk; for a long leashed hike, Morven Park’s ridge trails. Leave the dog at home for Summer JAMS. For other outings, see free things to do in Leesburg.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a dog park in Leesburg?

Yes. The Leesburg Dog Park is a fenced off-leash area in Olde Izaak Walton Park, 850 Davis Ave. SE, with a separate area for dogs under 25 pounds, water and benches. It is open dawn to dusk every day.

Do dogs have to be on a leash in Leesburg?

Yes. Loudoun County requires all dogs to be leashed unless they are on the owner’s property, in a fenced dog park, lawfully hunting, in a formal obedience class, or a service animal under the handler’s control.

Can I take my dog to Morven Park?

Yes. Pets are welcome on Morven Park’s grounds and trails but must be on a leash at all times, and owners must clean up after them. The grounds are free and open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Do dogs need a license in Leesburg?

Yes. Loudoun County requires every dog 4 months and older to be licensed, and the Leesburg Dog Park requires dogs to be licensed, vaccinated and wearing a visible license.

Are dogs allowed at Summer JAMS concerts?

No pets are allowed in the grass listening area on the Town Green; the town asks people with pets to stay on the sidewalk.