Dog-friendly Sandy Springs: the renovated Morgan Falls Dog Park, leashed dogs on river trails, a dog-friendly brewery and the 6-foot leash rule.

Last checked Oct. 5, 2026. Rules come from the City of Sandy Springs, Fulton County and the National Park Service; patios are listed only where the business’s own website says dogs are welcome.

Sandy Springs has one off-leash dog park, most city parks welcome leashed dogs, and the Chattahoochee River trails allow dogs on a 6-foot leash. The city’s rule everywhere else: leash, 6 feet or shorter, and pick up after your dog.

Who to call

  • Barking and noise complaints: 911, or Code Enforcement at 770-730-5600 during business hours
  • Loose or problem animals, licensing: Fulton County Animal Services
  • Wildlife: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, 770-918-6400
  • Official page: Pets and livestock

The leash rules

From the city’s pets and livestock page and Chapter 10 of the Sandy Springs Code of Ordinances:

  • Leash: outside, a dog must be behind a fence, wall or other enclosure, or on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Obedience and field trials, dog shows, tracking work and law enforcement are exempt.
  • Waste: owners must pick up after their dogs on sidewalks, gutters, streets, lots, parks and other public property, sealed and put in a trash can. Guide dog handlers who are visually impaired are exempt.
  • Licensing: Fulton County requires a license for dogs and cats over 4 months old.
  • Four or more dogs kept for 14 days or longer make a property a kennel, which needs a city kennel permit.

The dog park

Morgan Falls Dog Park, 100 Morgan Falls Road. The city’s off-leash park, opened in 2010, has two fenced areas, one for small dogs and one for large, on 3.4 acres overlooking the Chattahoochee in Morgan Falls Park. The renovation regraded a drainage channel to dry out the muddy large-dog area and added shade structures, benches, picnic tables, waste and wash stations, drinking fountains and boulders for dogs to climb. The city holds a ribbon cutting at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, with police K-9 Yeager. Sources: the city’s dog park page and its ribbon-cutting announcement.

Paws and Pastries, the city’s annual afternoon for dogs at the park, is Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, from noon, with treats, pastries, tennis balls and an optional dog costume contest. Register on the city’s event page and bring a dog bowl.

Parks and trails

  • City parks: most allow dogs on a leash with owners cleaning up, the city says. Dogs are not allowed on athletic fields without written permission; see our parks guide.
  • Springway Trail, the paved 1.88-mile trail from Morgan Falls Overlook Park to Roswell Road: pets on a short leash.
  • Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (East Palisades, Island Ford, Powers Island): pets are allowed on trails on a leash of 6 feet or shorter at all times, including in the water; pick up the poop and never leave a pet alone, the National Park Service says. Parking needs a $5 standard pass.
  • City Green at City Springs: pets are not allowed on the lawn and surrounding plaza, per the City Green page.

More routes in our walking and biking trails guide.

Patios and markets

  • Pontoon Brewing, 8601 Dunwoody Place, Building 500, Suite 500, 770-674-1075. Leashed dogs are welcome inside and outside on the patio, and children of all ages are welcome too. Hours: 3 to 11 p.m. Monday, noon to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. Sunday; cards only. Source: Pontoon’s website.
  • Sandy Springs Night Market, River Springs Shopping Center, 8610 Roswell Road: well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome in the plaza and on sidewalks, kept away from vendor products, per the city’s Night Market page. The market runs on the first Thursday of September, October and November.

Does your Sandy Springs restaurant or shop welcome dogs? Send us the page that says so and we will add you.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a dog park in Sandy Springs? Yes. Morgan Falls Dog Park, 100 Morgan Falls Road, has separate fenced areas for small and large dogs on 3.4 acres overlooking the Chattahoochee. The city cuts the ribbon on its renovation at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026.

What is the leash law in Sandy Springs? When outside, dogs must be behind a fence, wall or other enclosure or on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Owners must pick up and bag pet waste on sidewalks, streets, parks and other public property.

Are dogs allowed on the Chattahoochee River trails? Yes. The National Park Service allows pets on Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area trails on a leash of 6 feet or shorter at all times, including in the water.

Are dogs allowed at City Springs? Not on the City Green lawn and surrounding plaza, where the City Springs page says pets are not allowed for health and safety.

Do I need to license my dog in Sandy Springs? Yes. Fulton County requires dog and cat owners to license pets older than 4 months through Fulton County Animal Services.

What this means for you

  • Keep a 6-foot leash in the car; it is the rule on city streets and the river trails alike.
  • See the renovated dog park at the Oct. 14 ribbon cutting.
  • Leave dogs at home for City Green events.

Related: free things to do, kids’ activities and brunch.