North Charleston's leash law, its three city dog parks, Wannamaker's off-leash park with a Splash Paw fountain and the patios that welcome dogs.

Last checked Oct. 12, 2026. Rules come from the City of North Charleston Code of Ordinances, Chapter 4; park facts from North Charleston Parks and Recreation and the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission; patio policies from each business’s own site.

In North Charleston, dogs go on a leash everywhere public except a fenced dog park. The city runs three dog parks, at Exchange Park, Miner Crosby Community Center and Wescott Park, and Charleston County’s Wannamaker County Park has a larger off-leash park with a spray fountain for dogs.

Who to call

  • North Charleston Parks and Recreation: 843-740-5809
  • Wannamaker County Park: 843-762-5585
  • Loose or dangerous dog: North Charleston Police Department non-emergency line, 843-743-7200; 911 in an emergency

The leash law

Chapter 4 of the city code, Animals and Fowl, sets the rules:

  • Leash in public (Sec. 4-5). A dog on a street, sidewalk or public way, in any park, public square or other public space, or on private property without the owner’s consent “shall be secured by a leash or chain of sufficient tensile strength to restrain the particular dog, or shall be at heel and securely muzzled.” Owners may not let any animal run at large.
  • Pick it up (Sec. 4-11). Owners must immediately pick up and bag their dog’s waste on public property, streets, play areas, common ground and other people’s property.
  • Hot cars (Sec. 4-6). No animal may be left in a vehicle without enough ventilation when heat and sun could cause suffering. City personnel may break in to remove an animal, and the owner pays the vet and housing costs.
  • Truck beds (Sec. 4-6). A dog riding in a pickup bed must be tethered so it cannot jump or be thrown out, or ride in a kennel secured to the bed.
  • Rabies shots (Sec. 4-10). Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies every year.

Dog parks

Dog park Where What it has
Mixson Dog Park Exchange Park, 2025 Lackawanna Blvd. City dog park; the city’s holiday event pages list it at 4856 Mixson Ave.
Wando Woods Dog Park Miner Crosby Community Center, 3901 Paramount Drive City dog park beside a playground, tennis court and picnic shelter
Wescott Park dog parks 9006 Dorchester Road Separate big- and small-dog parks, plus a walking trail
Wannamaker County Park dog park 8888 University Blvd. Fenced areas for large dogs and small dogs (25 pounds and under), Splash Paw spray fountain, dog washing area, water fountains and shade

Wannamaker is the biggest. The county’s park page says the off-leash park has separate fenced areas by size, the Splash Paw fountain “designed just for dogs,” a washing station, restrooms and plenty of shade. It is closed until 10 a.m. on Thursdays for maintenance. The county park charges an entry fee; see its page.

Patios and taprooms that welcome dogs

Policies come from each business’s own website. Dogs generally stay outdoors; ask staff first.

  • Firefly Distillery, 4201 Spruill Ave. Dogs are welcome at outdoor tables and on the five-acre field, leashed and by your side. Register the dog online before the first visit; rabies, parvo and Bordetella shots must be current. Dogs are not allowed inside or at concerts.
  • Freehouse Brewery, 2895 Pringle St., on the Ashley River. It advertises a “Dog-Friendly Beer Garden.” The taproom opens at 2 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and noon on weekends.
  • Coast Brewing. Visit North Charleston’s taproom listing describes Coast’s tasting room as dog- and family-friendly.

Trails for walking a dog

On a leash, dogs can walk the paved and natural trails at Wannamaker County Park, the riverside paths at Riverfront Park and the walking trail at Wescott Park. Trail lengths and parking are on our walking and biking trails page.

Dog events

  • The Big Bark Holiday Market, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at Firefly Distillery: free admission, with vendors and food trucks, benefiting local rescues and shelters (event page).
  • Howlidays in the Park, 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at Mixson Dog Park: free pictures with Santa Paws, pet vendors, adoptable pets from Dusty Tails and food trucks, according to the city’s Christmas activities page. Bring your own phone or camera.
  • Harvest Festival costume contest, Oct. 17 on East Montague Avenue, has a pet category; see our Halloween events page.

What this means for you

  • Leash or at heel and muzzled: that is the law on every sidewalk and in every city park outside the fenced dog parks.
  • Plan Wannamaker visits after 10 a.m. on Thursdays.
  • Register your dog with Firefly online before you go.

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

Frequently asked questions

Do dogs have to be on a leash in North Charleston?

Yes. City code Sec. 4-5 says a dog on a street, sidewalk or in any park or public space must be on a leash or chain strong enough to hold it, or be at heel and securely muzzled. Off-leash play is for fenced dog parks.

Where are the dog parks in North Charleston?

The city runs Mixson Dog Park at Exchange Park, Wando Woods Dog Park at the Miner Crosby Community Center, 3901 Paramount Drive, and big- and small-dog parks at Wescott Park, 9006 Dorchester Road. Charleston County’s Wannamaker County Park has an off-leash dog park too.

Is Wannamaker dog park open on Thursday?

Yes, from 10 a.m. Charleston County Parks closes the dog park until 10 a.m. every Thursday for maintenance.

Can I bring my dog to Firefly Distillery?

Yes, outdoors only. Firefly asks owners to register the dog online before the first visit, keep it leashed and by their side, and have rabies, parvo and Bordetella shots up to date. Dogs are not allowed at concerts.

Do I have to pick up after my dog in North Charleston?

Yes. City code Sec. 4-11 requires owners to pick up their dog’s waste right away on public property, streets, play areas and other people’s property and bag it for disposal.