Waltham City Dog Ranch - Waltham, MA
Waltham City Dog Ranch: Off-Leash Dog Park in Waltham, MA
Waltham City Dog Ranch is a convenient local dog park in Waltham, Massachusetts, nestled just off Metropolitan Parkway North. Designed for dog owners looking for a secure, off-leash environment, the park offers fenced areas where dogs can run, play, and socialize in a countryside-like setting. The park features two separate enclosures that can accommodate different dog sizes or groupings, offering flexibility based on daily attendance and dog temperament.
Visitors enjoy the quiet, semi-rural charm of the area, with open space and pet-friendly walking paths available. However, be aware that amenities are limited—there are no water fountains, waste bags, or shaded seating, and the park’s upkeep varies according to recent visitor reviews. Despite its drawbacks, such as minimal grass and basic maintenance, Waltham City Dog Ranch remains a valuable dog-friendly spot for off-leash exercise and socialization in the Greater Boston area.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash within the fenced-in area.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? Yes, there are fenced enclosures to keep dogs safe while they play.
- Is there a separate area for small and large dogs? Yes, there are two fenced areas that can be used to separate dogs by size or as needed, though they are sometimes combined.
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? No, there are no water fountains or designated water bowls; visitors should bring their own water.
- Are poop bags or waste stations provided? No, visitors report that there are no poop bags available, so pet owners should bring their own waste supplies.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? There is no indication of benches or formal seating areas within the park.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Park cleanliness is inconsistent, with some reporting litter and maintenance issues.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are paths nearby for walking your dog in a pet-friendly natural environment.
Reviews
There are fenced areas for your dog to walk or run around. It would have been nice if there was a water fountain the dogs to get fresh and cold water.
Small, dirty, unkempt, with gates that are not secure. Do not bring your dog here if you want a clean, safe, pleasant experience. Do better, Waltham.
This is probably the worst dog park I’ve ever been to. It’s in the middle of dozens of acres of land yet is only the size of a tennis court. There’s no grass, just dirt, no water, no bags, it’s dirty, don’t bother coming.
I really wanted to like this, because my dog loves getting to sniff and play off leash and see other dogs. Unfortunately, it’s very poorly maintained. Literally covered in cigarette butts. Photo is all the butts I found *inside* the dog enclosure, nevermind the hundreds more around the area. Also, there’s a double enclosure for the entrance but not the exit, which seems like an odd choice for re-leashing a dog. There’s space for it in the design, so it seems like they maybe just gave up putting more fence together. We’ll be exploring other dog parks in neighboring towns to find something cleaner and safer.
My 7 month old puppy always gets lots of energy out, running with the other dogs there. The whole area is kept super clean, and there are 2 fenced in off-leash areas to choose from, to accommodate different size dogs when deemed necessary. But so far not necessary, all have played well together when we have been there. It’s a quiet, countryside-like setting, with paths if you want to just walk your dog. Yes, it’s true that there’s an old abandoned hospital that you can see, on one spot of the somewhat expansive property, but the dogs aren’t complaining about it, and anyway, the side you see from the park is covered with ivy. Quite atmospheric! We come from Roslindale area, where the politicians won’t even let us HAVE a dog park, (though many petitions and money has been put into trying!…and everyone and their mother has a dog…). So I say count your blessings!