Dog-friendly Pembroke Pines: two free city dog parks, pet-friendly Pembroke Gardens patios, county parks that allow dogs, Broward's tag rule and leash rules.
Last checked Oct. 10, 2026. Sources: the City of Pembroke Pines facility pages for Craig Rupp K-9 Dog Park and Steven L. Josias Dog and Equestrian Park, its Animal Assistance Program page and Code of Ordinances, The Shops at Pembroke Gardens’ visitor page, Broward County Animal Care’s FAQ and Broward County Parks.
Pembroke Pines has two free city dog parks, a pet-friendly open-air shopping center with outdoor patios, and two big Broward County parks nearby that welcome leashed dogs. Every dog in the county needs a Broward County rabies tag.
Who to call
- Recreation and Cultural Arts Department (dog parks): 954-392-2130
- Pembroke Pines Police (lost or found pets): 954-431-2200
- Broward County Animal Care: 954-359-1313, ext. 9273
- The Shops at Pembroke Gardens security: 561-690-7912
City dog parks
| Park | Address | What is there | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Craig Rupp K-9 Dog Park | 9751 Johnson St. | Free; two play areas by dog size, obstacles, benches and a gazebo | 8 a.m. to dusk Mon.-Sat.; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun.; closed Wed. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
| Steven L. Josias Dog and Equestrian Park | 5836 SW 193rd Way | Fenced areas by size, ramps, pooper scoopers, water bowls; horse paddocks | 8 a.m. to dusk; Sun. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed Wed. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
- Craig Rupp K-9 Dog Park is in the east of the city off Johnson Street. Rules are posted on the fence, and no parties are allowed. It is home to the city’s Bow Wow Ween costume contest each October; the 2026 edition was Saturday, Oct. 3, with free contests, games and pet vendors.
- Steven L. Josias Dog and Equestrian Park is in the far west. It was dedicated as an equestrian park in 2007 and horses are still welcome; the city added the dog area later. The city notes the restrooms close from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. until further notice.
Patios and shopping
The Shops at Pembroke Gardens, 527 SW 145th Terrace, calls itself a pet-friendly center: well-behaved pets are welcome on a leash or in a stroller, and you can eat with them at the center’s outdoor restaurant patios. Its code of conduct says pets must be leashed and owners must clean up after them. Coins tossed in the center’s fountain go to Pooches in Pines, the volunteer group that works with the police department’s Animal Assistance Program. Pets were also welcome in the costume contest at the center’s 2026 PembrokeKIDS Halloween night.
Restaurants set their own patio rules; ask before you sit down.
County parks that allow dogs
- C.B. Smith Park, 900 N. Flamingo Road, Pembroke Pines: listed as pet friendly by Broward County Parks. Dogs are not allowed in the Paradise Cove water park.
- Brian Piccolo Sports Park and Velodrome, 9501 Sheridan St., Cooper City: listed as pet friendly on the county’s park page.
Most Broward County regional parks charge a gate fee on weekends and county holidays; the county sells an annual pass.
Where dogs cannot go
- City special events such as BooVille and SnowFest say no pets.
- Paradise Cove water park bans animals and pets.
Leash, tag and cleanup rules
- Rabies tag: Broward County’s animal ordinance requires every dog and cat, indoor pets included, to wear an official Broward County rabies tag. Pets must be registered by 4 months of age and renewed every year. The county lists a $600 fine for dogs and cats not vaccinated against rabies and registered.
- City code: Pembroke Pines’ animal rules are in its Code of Ordinances, which the city links from its charter and code page.
- Dog parks: each city dog park posts its rules on the fence; read them before you go in.
- Pembroke Gardens: pets must be leashed, and owners must clean up after them.
Lost and found pets
The Pembroke Pines Police Department’s volunteer Animal Assistance Program rescues lost dogs, looks for their owners and works with rescue groups to rehome them. If your pet is missing, call the police at 954-431-2200 and Broward County Animal Care at 954-359-1313, ext. 9273. The city recommends microchipping your pet, registering it every year and keeping a collar and ID tag on it. Found pets are posted by the volunteer group Pooches in Pines.
More: parks and trails, walking and biking trails and free things to do.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the dog parks in Pembroke Pines?
The city runs two free dog parks: Craig Rupp K-9 Dog Park at 9751 Johnson St. and the Steven L. Josias Dog and Equestrian Park at 5836 SW 193rd Way. Both have separate areas for large and small dogs and close Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for maintenance.
Is Pembroke Gardens dog friendly?
Yes. The Shops at Pembroke Gardens calls itself a pet-friendly center and welcomes well-behaved pets on a leash or in a stroller, including at its outdoor restaurant patios. Owners must clean up after their pets.
Do dogs need a license in Broward County?
Broward County requires every dog and cat to wear an official Broward County rabies tag, registered by 4 months of age and renewed every year. The county lists a $600 fine for pets not vaccinated and registered.
Can I bring my dog to C.B. Smith Park?
Broward County lists C.B. Smith Park as pet friendly, but dogs are not allowed in its Paradise Cove water park.
What do I do if I find a lost dog in Pembroke Pines?
Call the Pembroke Pines Police Department at 954-431-2200, whose volunteer Animal Assistance Program works to reunite lost pets, or Broward County Animal Care at 954-359-1313, ext. 9273.
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