The City of Monterey has a dog park where your dog can run off leash. The park is located across from the El Estero Park Center and the lake in El Estero Park. There are separate areas for small dogs and larger dogs. Water is available; however, you need to bring your own container.

The City’s Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program (NCIP) approved $15,000 for construction of the park, and the City’s Parks and Recreation Commission selected the site. The park is open from dawn to dusk. Dog owners are advised to review the rules posted at the park entrance. While bags are provided for clean-up, it is essential to the success of the park that dog owners clean up after their dogs.

The City of Monterey Park Rules are found in Chapter 23 of the City Code. Chapter 23- Parks & Lakes

Dog Park Rules 

If you've lost your dog, call Police Dispatch at 831-646-3914.
If after hours or on weekends, call 831-646-3830.
Directions to the Monterey Animal Kennel 

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LICENSES & RULES

Per Chapter 6, Article 2, Section 6-17 & 18, every person owning or having charge, care or control over any dog shall, after the dog attains the age of four months, secure from the collector a license and tag for the dog. That person shall pay a license fee as set by resolution of the City Council within thirty days after the owner and the dog establish residence in the City, or within thirty days after the dog reaches the age of four months.

When the applicant presents a certificate from a licensed veterinarian that the dog has been spayed or neutered, the fee is less than the license fee established for any unspayed or unneutered dog.

Dog License Application 

While enjoying the outdoors with your dog, you can do your part to keep Monterey safe and clean for all. Know and follow the City’s dog safety laws:

1. a. Dogs Permitted On-Leash. (Sec. 23-8) Except as provided herein, dogs are permitted in City parks during the hours that such parks are open to the public. Except with respect to any dog used by a law enforcement agency or any dog at a City dog park(s), dogs must at all times be on a leash, no longer than six feet (6'), which must be held by a person capable of restraining the dog at all times. Pursuant to Section 6-16.6, any excrement deposited by the animal must be promptly removed.
   
   b. Exceptions. Except with respect to dogs used by law enforcement agencies or as otherwise provided by law, it shall be unlawful for any person to allow, cause, or permit any dog (i) onto City park playground structures or basketball, volleyball, tennis, or other sport courts, or (ii) to enter or remain in the following areas:
   1. El Estero Park picnic area;
   2. Skate Park;
   3. Dennis the Menace Playground;
   4. Whispering Pines Park;
   5. Larkin Park;
   6. Jacks Ballpark;
   7. Frank E. Sollecito, Jr. Ballpark;
   8. Peter J. Ferrante Ballpark;
   9. Spray Avenue Tot Lot;
   10. Any area of a park with artificial turf; and
   11. Any City park at which a City-approved and permitted special event is taking place. (Ord. 3591 § 2, 2019)