Dog-friendly Melbourne: dog parks, patios and leash rules

Last checked Oct. 9, 2026. Sources: the City of Melbourne code of ordinances (chapter 42, parks and recreation), the city’s parks page and dog park notice, Brevard County’s Wickham Park page and businesses’ own sites.

Melbourne is easy with a dog if you know three rules: leashes of 15 feet or less in city parks, pick up after your dog, and no dogs inside recreation buildings or on the golf courses. For off-leash time there are two dog parks: the city’s Pieloch Dog Park and Brevard County’s dog park at Wickham Park.

Who to call

• City Parks, Recreation and Golf: 321-608-7400
• Wickham Park (Brevard County) ranger station: 321-255-4307
• Police non-emergency (loose or dangerous dogs): 321-608-6731
• City code: chapter 42, parks and recreation

The leash rules (city code)

Section 42-17 of the Melbourne city code reads in full:

“Domestic animals are permitted in parks, unless otherwise posted; however, they must be restrained with a leash no longer than 15 feet. The person in control of the animal is responsible for removing any animal waste. Domestic animals, except service animals, are not permitted inside recreational facilities or on the golf courses.”

What that means in practice:

• Leash: 15 feet or shorter, in every city park unless a sign says dogs are not allowed.
• Waste: the person holding the leash picks it up.
• Not allowed: inside community centers, the Melbourne Auditorium, pools and other recreation buildings, and on Crane Creek Reserve and Harbor City golf courses. Service animals are exempt.
• Hours: under section 42-18, listed city parks are open from 7 a.m. until sunset unless the parks director sets other hours, and each park posts its closing time.

Dog parks

Pieloch Dog Park. The city’s dog park sits at the Tim Wakefield Sports Complex. The city closes it every Wednesday from 7 a.m. to noon for maintenance. The sports complex also has a playground and lighted basketball courts.

Wickham Park. Brevard County’s large park on Parkway Drive lists a dog park “divided into two sections for small and large dogs” on its park page. The main ranger station is just inside the entrance off Parkway Drive. County park rules apply there; call the ranger station for hours.

Walks with a dog

Leashed dogs can walk in the city’s parks, including the riverfront parks at Ballard Park, Claude Edge Front Street Park and Riverview Park, unless a sign says otherwise. Many parks have hike and bike paths, the city says, and the Crane Creek Promenade boardwalk runs along the creek downtown. Trails and distances are on our walking and biking trails guide.

Bring water for your dog in warm weather.

Patios and dog-friendly stays

• Hotel Melby, 801 E. Strawbridge Ave., lists itself as pet friendly on its website. 321-361-3663.

Whether dogs can join you on a restaurant patio is up to each restaurant; ask before you sit down. Businesses that welcome dogs on their patios can send us their policy through our contact page, and we will add them here with a link.

Licenses and lost dogs

For lost and found pets, licensing and adoptions, contact Brevard County’s animal services through the county website. For a loose dog that is a danger right now, call 911; otherwise use the police non-emergency line, 321-608-6731.

What this means for you

• Keep a leash of 15 feet or less on in every city park.
• Skip Pieloch on Wednesday mornings; go to Wickham Park instead.
• Leave dogs home for golf, the pool and events inside the Auditorium.

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

Frequently asked questions

Are dogs allowed in Melbourne city parks?

Yes, unless a sign says otherwise. City code section 42-17 requires dogs and other domestic animals in parks to be on a leash no longer than 15 feet, and owners must pick up after them.

Where is the dog park in Melbourne, Florida?

The city’s Pieloch Dog Park is at the Tim Wakefield Sports Complex, formerly Crane Field Park. Brevard County’s Wickham Park, entered off Parkway Drive, also has a dog park with separate small-dog and large-dog sections.

When is the Pieloch Dog Park closed?

Every Wednesday from 7 a.m. to noon for maintenance, the city says.

Can I bring my dog on a Melbourne golf course or into a community center?

No. City code bars domestic animals, except service animals, from inside city recreational facilities and from the city’s golf courses.

What are the hours of Melbourne city parks?

City code opens the listed city parks from 7 a.m. until sunset unless the parks director sets other hours, and each park posts its closing time on a sign.