Asheville's open dog park at Riverbend Park, the 8-foot leash rule, the $10 dog license, and dog-friendly grounds at Biltmore, the Arboretum and Highland Brewing.
Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. Rules come from the City of Asheville’s animal ordinance and dog license page; places from their own websites, linked below. City Animal Services: 828-252-1110.
Asheville has one public off-leash dog park open right now, the temporary park in Riverbend Park, because Tropical Storm Helene’s floods wrecked the city’s dog parks at Azalea Park and French Broad River Park in September 2024. Everywhere else in the city, dogs go on a hand-held leash of 8 feet or less. This guide covers the dog park, the rules, and places that welcome dogs.
What this means for you
- Off-leash play: Riverbend Park, 100 Bleachery Blvd., 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
- On a walk: leash no longer than 8 feet, held in the hand (the city asks for 3 feet on greenways), and pick up after your dog.
- License your dog with the city ($10 a year, renews Jan. 1) through PetData.
Dog parks
| Dog park | Address | Status | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverbend Park (temporary) | 100 Bleachery Blvd., off Swannanoa River Road | Open | 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily |
| Azalea Park | Next to the WNC Nature Center complex | Closed since Helene | |
| French Broad River Dog Park | 508 Riverview Drive | Closed since Helene |
Riverbend Park. The city and HCA Healthcare’s Mission Health opened the temporary dog park in 2025, with temporary fencing and separate areas for large and small dogs, according to the city. The park also has a section of the Swannanoa River Greenway. The city says the dog park will stay open while it rebuilds the permanent dog parks, which may take several years. Parks and Recreation held Doggie Days there on March 12, April 22 and May 28, 2026.
Azalea and French Broad River. The rebuilds are part of the city’s Azalea Parks recovery project and French Broad Riverfront Parks recovery project. Azalea Park’s pond is open; the dog park is not. French Broad River Park is closed.
The rules
From the city’s animal ordinance and its dog license page:
- Leash. A dog off its owner’s property must be under the physical control of a competent person and held by a chain, leash or harness no longer than 8 feet, in the hand (Sec. 3-27). The rule does not apply to animals assisting people with impaired sight, hearing or mobility.
- License. Every dog needs a City of Asheville license by 6 months old. The fee is $10 and it renews every Jan. 1. Licenses are sold online at petdata.com or by mail, not at City Hall.
- Tags. The city license tag and a current rabies tag must be on the dog at all times.
- Tethering. A tethered dog must have someone outside and in view of it; unattended tethering is banned under Ordinance 3795.
- Problems. Report a loose, tethered or unsheltered dog, or a bite, to City Animal Services at 828-252-1110. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 1 to 9 p.m. weekends, with staff on call for emergencies around the clock.
Outside city limits, Buncombe County’s rules apply.
Places that welcome dogs
Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St. Leashed pets may walk the grounds, but animals other than service animals are not allowed in any building, according to Biltmore’s visitor information. Pets may sit on the outdoor patios of the Bistro and Cedric’s Tavern; ask the host inside first. A daytime ticket is required.
The North Carolina Arboretum, 20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way. Dogs are welcome on the trails but not in buildings, according to the arboretum. Parking is $25 a vehicle.
Highland Brewing, 12 Old Charlotte Highway. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are allowed in the taproom and the Meadow, the brewery says in its FAQ, but only outdoors once its pizza kitchen opens. Hours are noon to 10 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Phone: 828-299-3370.
New Belgium Brewing, 21 Craven St. in the River Arts District, is holding a Dogs and Drag fundraiser with a dog costume contest on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, according to its Asheville events page.
Greenways. City parks and greenways are open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. On greenways the city asks for more than the ordinance: keep dogs on a 3-foot leash, according to its greenway etiquette guidance. Routes and trailheads: walking and biking trails.
Businesses: if your patio welcomes dogs, send us a link to your own policy through our contact page and we will add you.
More outdoors: parks and trails, free things to do.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a dog park open in Asheville?
Yes. The city’s temporary dog park in Riverbend Park, 100 Bleachery Blvd. off Swannanoa River Road, is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with separate areas for large and small dogs. The dog parks at Azalea Park and French Broad River Park are closed after Tropical Storm Helene.
What is the leash law in Asheville?
Under Section 3-27 of the city code, a dog off its owner’s property must be under the control of a competent person and held on a chain, leash or harness no more than 8 feet long, held in the hand. Service animals are exempt.
Do dogs need a license in Asheville?
Yes. Every dog in the city needs a city license by 6 months old. It costs $10, renews every Jan. 1 and is sold online through PetData. The license and a current rabies tag must be worn at all times.
Can I bring my dog to Biltmore?
Yes, on the grounds. Biltmore asks that pets be leashed at all times; animals other than service animals are not allowed in any building. Pets may sit on the outdoor patios of the Bistro and Cedric’s Tavern.
Who do I call about a loose or tethered dog in Asheville?
City of Asheville Animal Services at 828-252-1110, on call 24 hours a day for emergencies.
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