Jackson's Free Off-Leash Dog Park

Paw Playground is Jackson County's only free off-leash dog park, located right on the CHS property at 1515 Carmen Drive. Open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week — no membership fee, no reservation required.

Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit

Paw Playground is free and open to the public year-round, made possible by a generous donation from an anonymous dog lover in our community. Before your first visit, please download and complete the Membership Agreement — it takes just a moment and is required before using the park. Dogs must be current on vaccinations and hold a valid license to enter. Puppies under four months of age are not permitted, as they have not yet completed the vaccinations needed to safely interact with other dogs. Dogs in heat are also prohibited, and spayed or neutered animals are strongly recommended.

Park Rules for a Safe and Enjoyable Visit

Paw Playground works because everyone who uses it agrees to the same standards. Please review the rules below before your first visit — they exist to keep every dog and every owner safe.


  • Complete a Membership Agreement before using the park for the first time
  • Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the park; owners must remain inside the fenced area with their leash accessible at all times
  • Limit of two dogs per adult; all dogs must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older at all times, except for CHS youth volunteers
  • Dogs must be current on vaccinations and hold a valid license; no dogs under four months of age are permitted
  • Dogs in heat are prohibited; spayed or neutered animals are strongly recommended
  • Always clean up after your dog — bags and trash cans are provided; if your dog digs holes, please fill them in
  • Supervise children closely at all times while inside the park
  • If your dog becomes unruly or plays rough, use the designated Time Out Area or leash your dog and leave immediately
  • No smoking or people food is permitted inside the fenced area
  • Owners are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries they may cause
  • CHS reserves the right to ban any animal or person for the safety of all park users

A Note from CHS

Black paw print with a heart-shaped center on a white background

The Paw Playground was made possible by the generosity of an anonymous donor who wanted to give Jackson County dogs a safe place to run. We're grateful every day for that gift — and for the community of dog owners who use the park responsibly and keep it welcoming for everyone. Remember: everyone's dog is as precious to them as yours is to you. Please be considerate, stay attentive, and enjoy the park.

Paw Playground Questions, Answered

  • Is the Paw Playground free to use?

    Yes. The Paw Playground is free and open to the public seven days a week from dawn to dusk. There is no membership fee or reservation required. Before your first visit, please complete the Membership Agreement, available for download on this page. The park is located at 1515 Carmen Drive in Jackson, directly adjacent to the CHS shelter.

  • What are the vaccination requirements for the Paw Playground?

    All dogs must be current on vaccinations and hold a valid dog license to enter the park. Dogs under four months of age are not permitted, as they have not yet completed the vaccinations necessary for safe interaction with other dogs. If your dog is not yet spayed or neutered, they are still welcome — but spayed or neutered animals are strongly recommended, and dogs in heat are prohibited.

  • How many dogs can I bring to the Paw Playground?

    Each adult may bring a maximum of two dogs. All dogs must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older at all times, with the exception of CHS youth volunteers. Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the park, and owners must remain inside the fenced area with their leash at all times.

  • What should I do if my dog starts playing too rough?

    Use the designated Time Out Area to give your dog a break and a chance to settle. If the behavior continues, leash your dog and leave the park immediately. Every owner is legally responsible for their dog and any injuries it causes. Staying attentive and acting quickly when behavior escalates is the single most important thing you can do to keep the park safe for everyone.

  • Where is the Paw Playground located and what are the hours?

    The Paw Playground is located at 1515 Carmen Drive in Jackson, MI 49202, directly next to Cascades Humane Society. It is open every day from dawn to dusk at no charge. The CHS shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 to 6:00 PM if you have questions before your visit — call us at (517) 787-7387.