Dog-friendly Duluth, Georgia: the Chattapoochee Dog Park at Rogers Bridge, McDaniel Farm's dog area, leashed trails, Dogtoberfest and Gwinnett's leash law.

Last checked Oct. 6, 2026. Park facts come from the City of Duluth and Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation; the leash rules come from the city and county codes, linked below.

Duluth has one city dog park, a county farm park with a dog area and miles of leashed trails, plus a downtown dog festival every October. The rule to know: outside your own yard and a fenced dog park, your dog must be on a leash.

Who to call

  • City parks: Duluth Parks and Recreation, 770-814-6981
  • County parks (McDaniel Farm, Shorty Howell): Gwinnett County Parks, 678-277-0900
  • Strays, bites, dangerous dogs: Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement, 770-339-3200
  • Emergencies: 911

Dog parks

Chattapoochee Dog Park, Rogers Bridge Park, 4291 Rogers Bridge Road. The city’s dog park has a large-dog area and a small-dog area, and the city asks owners to use the side that fits their dog. Its dog park page reminds visitors that “state and local laws mandate that all paws should be on a leash unless in the designated fenced-in dog park area.” The rest of Rogers Bridge Park has a pavilion, playground, canoe launch and the pedestrian bridge over the Chattahoochee River to Johns Creek, according to the city.

McDaniel Farm Park, 3020 McDaniel Road (park entrance). Gwinnett County’s restored 1930s farm has a dog park area at this entrance, along with 3 miles of paved and unpaved trails, open sunrise to sunset, according to the county.

Leashed walks and trails

  • Rogers Bridge: walk your dog across the rebuilt pedestrian bridge over the Chattahoochee into Johns Creek.
  • Shorty Howell Park, 2750 Pleasant Hill Road: a 1.25-mile paved trail around the park and a lake, open sunrise to 11 p.m.
  • McDaniel Farm Park, 3251 McDaniel Road: 3 miles of trails past the farmhouse and barn.
  • Bunten Road Park, 3180 Bunten Road: a 1.08-mile paved path, being rebuilt and extended in sections under a city trail project due to finish in spring 2027.
  • Western Gwinnett Bikeway along Peachtree Industrial Boulevard.

Distances and parking are in our walking and biking trails guide.

The leash rules

  • Duluth adopts Gwinnett County’s animal control ordinance. Section 4-1 of the Duluth city code incorporates Chapter 10 of the Gwinnett County code, and the county’s Animal Control unit enforces it inside the city.
  • Dogs must be under restraint. Under Gwinnett County Section 10-71, a dog running at large is not under restraint, “whether wearing a collar and tag or not.” A dog must be securely enclosed, held by an invisible fence with a posted sign, or on a leash under a competent person’s control. Single-point tethering is banned.
  • In county parks, owners must keep “physical control of the animal by leash or lead line at all times unless in designated dog park areas,” pick up after their dog, carry proof of a current rabies vaccination and remove a dog that turns aggressive, under Section 70-43.
  • Barking: Duluth’s noise ordinance, Section 9-65, covers persistent barking.

Report a loose or dangerous dog to Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement, Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center, 884 Winder Hwy., Lawrenceville, 770-339-3200, according to the county.

Dog events

  • Dogtoberfest, downtown Duluth, each October: on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m., the city’s dog festival had live music, “Dynamo Dogs” stunt shows at 5:30 and 7 p.m., Oktoberfest games, dog vendors, photo ops and free pup cups, according to its event page.
  • Doggie Day at the Southeastern Railway Museum, 3595 Buford Hwy.: on March 28, 2026, dogs on leashes could ride the train and tour the grounds, though not the Pullman car Superb, according to the museum. Its 2027 date is not out.
  • Doggie Tales at the Duluth Branch library, 3180 Main St.: every third Saturday a trained therapy dog listens to children read. The next sessions are Saturday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m. to noon, and Nov. 21, according to the library.

Patios and stores

Restaurants and stores set their own pet rules. We found no downtown Duluth restaurant that says on its own website that dogs are welcome on its patio as of Oct. 6; ask before you sit down. Service animals are a separate matter under federal law.

Vet care downtown: Duluth Animal Hospital, 2965 Buford Hwy., 770-476-3317, is listed in the Downtown Duluth directory.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a dog park in Duluth, Georgia? Yes: the Chattapoochee Dog Park at Rogers Bridge Park, plus a dog area at McDaniel Farm Park.

Do dogs have to be on a leash in Duluth? Yes, outside your property and fenced dog parks.

Can I take my dog on the trails at Shorty Howell and McDaniel Farm parks? Yes, on a leash, with waste picked up and proof of rabies vaccination.

Who handles stray or dangerous dogs in Duluth? Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement, 770-339-3200.

When is Dogtoberfest in Duluth? Each October; in 2026 it was Saturday, Oct. 3, downtown.

What this means for you

  • Bring a leash even to the dog park; you need it on the walk in.
  • Carry your dog’s rabies certificate in county parks.
  • Kids who are nervous readers can read to a therapy dog at the library on third Saturdays.

Related: parks and trails, free things to do and kids’ activities.