Dog Fancy Magazine has named Knoxville the most dog friendly city in the Southeast.

The City of Knoxville has been recognized as the most dog-friendly city in the Southeast by Dog Fancy Magazine according to a press release from the Knoxville-based PetSafe.

The widely-read national magazine for dog owners also recognized the City of Knoxville’s Dogwood Park in its annual “America’s Best Dog Parks” contest.

Knoxville and Knox County are home to four off-leash dog parks and two more are in the planning stages thanks in large part to PetSafe. The pet products and services company has donated $500,000 for the development of dog parks here.

More information about efforts to make Knoxville the best city in America for pets is available at www.mostpetfriendlycommunity.com.

According to a release, the magazine cites organizations like Knoxville’s Most Pet Friendly Committee, which includes organizations like Young-Williams Animal Center, the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and Pet Safe, as one of the reasons why the city is so friendly to dogs.

The organization hosts many dog friendly events including “Bark in the Park”, Mardi Growl,

Dog Fancy Magazine said they are the most widely read dog magazine.

Knoxville and Knox County have made a commitment with PetSafe Village to make Knoxville the “Most Pet Friendly Community” in the country.

PetSafe Village has donated money to go towards the construction of five dog parks in the Greater Knoxville area. Additionally, efforts are being made to work with downtown restaurants to allow dogs in their outdoor dining areas.

Knoxville is the perfect place for visitors, but did you know that pets can enjoy the city too? Knoxville was named the most dog-friendly city in the Southeast this year and residents aren’t the only ones looking for places to take man’s best friend. From fetching a ball to swimming in a pond to enjoying a run with other canines, each of the dog parks in the city is unique.

Knoxville Parks and Recreation offers more than 45 miles of greenways and more than 80 parks for patrons to enjoy with their canine companions. Per City ordinance, all dogs must be on a leash at all times (except in off-leash dog parks) and dog owners are required to pick up their dog’s waste.

Charter Doyle PetSafe Dog Park
5100 West Martin Mill Pike
South Knoxville

Open since November 2011, the beautiful two-acre Charter Doyle PetSafe Dog Park is situated within Charter Doyle Park in South Knoxville. Well-shaded by fully mature cedar trees, the dog park features separate sections for large and small dogs, a dog water fountain, and dog waste stations. Charter Doyle Greenway, which is a 0.4-mile loop encircling Charter Doyle Park, also connects to the dog park.

Dogwood Park
4901 Bradshaw Rd.
North Knoxville

Located in Victor Ashe Park, Dogwood Park was opened in 2007 as Knoxville’s first public dog park. The one-acre off-leash area is completely fenced and features a puppy playground (includes two hill structures, a puppy jump, and a tunnel), a dog water fountain, and dog waste stations. Knoxville Parks and Recreation built this park in cooperation with the Knox Dog Owners Group (KnoxDog).

Dog Fancy Magazine recently named Dogwood Park as the country’s Dog Park with the Best Setting. Click here to see the article.

PetSafe Downtown Dog Park
200 S Central St.
Downtown Knoxville

The PetSafe Downtown Dog Park is the second of five parks to be built with funding from PetSafe Village. The dog park is located at the corner of Summit Hill Drive and Central Avenue in the downtown area. Approximately one acre, the park opened to the public in June 2010.

The PetSafe Downtown Dog Park features an attractive entrance that complements the surrounding downtown buildings. The State of Tennessee has awarded Knoxville with a grant to incorporate an infiltration system into the dog park in order to prevent pollutants from entering the nearby First Creek. Amenities for the dog park include separate sections for small and large dogs, human and dog water fountains and dog waste stations.

Dog Waste Stations
The Tennessee Izaak Walton League has partnered with Knoxville Parks and Recreation to place dog waste stations in popular dog-walking areas (primarily parks and greenways). To sponsor a dog waste station, please contact the Tennessee Izaak Walton League at 865-414-5590.

Most Pet Friendly Community
The Knoxville community has literally gone to the dogs. To show appreciation for Knoxville pets many locals are making our community the Most Pet Friendly Community in the nation. The City of Knoxville, Knox County, Young Williams Animal Shelter, the Knoxville News Sentinel, the University of Tennessee, and PetSafe® are working to make the Knoxville area recognized as the nation’s Most Pet Friendly Community. Visit the Most Pet Friendly Community web site to connect you to pet friendly activities, events, and businesses, share all that you love about your pet with other pet parents, and get involved in the pet friendly effort. www.petfriendliestcommunity.com