The Bark - Knoxville, TN
The Bark – Knoxville’s Premier Dog Park & Social Club
If you’re looking for a top-rated dog park in Knoxville, Tennessee, The Bark offers a clean, safe, and inviting space for your pups to play. Located near downtown at 601 Lamar St, The Bark is more than just an off-leash park — it’s a vibrant pet-friendly community with attentive staff who genuinely care for Knoxville’s dogs. Whether you have a social butterfly or a shy newcomer, dogs of all temperaments can benefit from the supportive environment.
With dedicated staff on-site, strict vaccination and neuter/spay requirements, and behavior assessments, The Bark maintains a safe and fun place for everyone. Unique amenities set this dog park apart: shaded seating areas with sun sails, a selection of cold beverages for humans, regular community events like foam parties and Dog Field Day, and an on-site gift shop. They even offer boarding with individualized pet care and daily report cards, making it a favorite for both local dog owners and out-of-town visitors. Come see why The Bark is recommended as Knoxville’s must-visit off-leash dog park!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash in the designated play areas.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? Yes, the play area is securely fenced for safety.
- Are vaccinations required for dogs? Yes, up-to-date vaccinations are required for all dogs visiting The Bark.
- Are aggressive dogs allowed at the park? No, aggressive dogs are not allowed. All dogs must pass a behavior test to ensure compatibility.
- Are there staff or rangers present at the park? Yes, friendly and attentive staff are always on-site to help supervise and assist.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, The Bark is praised for being very clean and well maintained.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, there are sun sails and seating providing shade for guests and their dogs.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there is ample seating available for dog owners to relax and enjoy.
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? Yes, water bowls are available and regularly refilled by staff.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? Yes, there is an affordable entry fee for use of the facilities.
- Are there any special events or classes offered? Yes, The Bark regularly hosts fun community activities such as Dog Field Day and foam/water parties.
Reviews
We’ve had nothing but excellent experiences so far at The Bark. Clean, creatively-designed facility… staff onsite who monitor dogs’ behaviors and help if there’s conflict (and refill the water bowls— so important!)… doggie friendly gift shop in the front… sun sails and seating… cold, canned beverages… super fun community activities like Dog Field Day and foam/water parties… I have no complaints! Heads up— harnesses, vaccines, and friendly behavior are requirements, but I appreciate this business’s dedication to safety and comfort for all. The Bark is a bit pricey, but the staff and their hard work is worth it.
Tucker, my wife, and I had an absolute BLAST at The Bark! Very affordable entry fee, wide selection of drinks (Alcoholic and Non Alcoholic), and friendly and attentive staff. I love that vaccinations are required, your dog must be neutered/spayed, and that your dog must pass a behavior test. For “over protective” dog owners like us it’s definitely nice to be able to go here without feeling worried about whether or not everyone else’s dogs are taken care of and will behave themselves. 😀 Will definitely be going back and highly recommend!
My favorite place! When I adopted my dog, he was basically a cat. He was terrified of other dogs, didn’t know how to play, and had terrible anxiety. First couple of visits were a nightmare for him. He was so nervous. After a few months coming here, he’s a totally different dog, even at home! He’s so social now, loves to play, and gets so excited at the end of my work day because he knows we’re about to head to The Bark. As a human, I also greatly enjoy my time here. Great selection of beer, and generally great vibes. This place can completely turn a bad day around. 10/10 recommend
My dogs love The Bark! I recently boarded my 3 dogs there for a few nights, and it felt like the first real vacation I’ve had in 10 years because I knew they were in good hands and I didn’t have to worry at all. One of my dogs is fearful and dog reactive, and she needs a dog-savvy pet sitter. Not only did the staff follow her instructions to a T, they took extra time to go at her pace and make her feel comfortable. I got report cards at the end of every day, and the staff really made me feel like they cared about my dogs like they were their own. They got to stay in their own little hotel room, and boarding them was less expensive than hiring an in-home sitter. Cannot recommend them enough!
When visiting Knoxville on a rainy day I was looking for something to do with my dogs. I took my 12 year old chihuahua and 2 year old terrier to play here. I was pretty nervous because my younger dog didn’t have a ton of experience mixing with other dogs and my 12 year old chihuahua is a grumpy old man that just likes to sniff. They were so friendly! They made me and my dogs feel welcome! When we were in the play area the staff were attentive and didn’t make me feel bad when my pup set boundaries with other dogs. They have made me want to take her out to more dog parks soon! I wish we lived closer because we would for sure come back! The facility is also very clean and I would feel comfortable leaving my babies here for boarding too.