Where dogs can go in and around Wesley Chapel: Pasco's 6-foot leash rule, the fenced Land O' Lakes Dog Park, pet-friendly trails and the license you need.

Last checked Oct. 10, 2026. Rules come from Pasco County Parks’ rules and regulations and Pasco County Animal Services; park details from each park’s own page, linked below.

Wesley Chapel is unincorporated, so Pasco County’s rules apply: dogs in county parks stay on a leash no longer than 6 feet, held at all times, and every dog 4 months and older needs a county license. The nearest fenced off-leash area is the Land O’ Lakes Dog Park. Pasco County Animal Services: 813-929-1212.

Who to call

  • Pasco County Animal Services, 19640 Dogpatch Lane, Land O’ Lakes: 813-929-1212, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays by phone
  • After hours, animal emergencies (5 p.m. to 8 a.m.): 727-847-8102, option 7
  • Pet license online: Pasco pet licensing

The leash rules in Pasco County parks

From the county’s park rules:

  • Leash no longer than 6 feet, held by the owner at all times.
  • Dogs licensed and tagged, with current vaccinations.
  • Owners pick up and remove waste.
  • Dogs may not enter buildings, playgrounds or play areas, athletic fields, dugouts, basketball courts, skate parks, shelters and pavilions, cabin areas, equestrian trails, piers, swim areas or beaches.
  • Dogs are banned from Jumping Gully Preserve, Pasco Palms Preserve and Sunwest Park.
  • Aggressive dogs are asked to leave; only service dogs go inside facilities.

Licenses

Chapter 14 of the Pasco County Code requires an annual license for dogs and cats 4 months of age or older, the county says. Most Pasco vets sell the license when they give the rabies vaccine. You can also buy it online, by mail to Animal Services, or in person by appointment. Bring a copy of the current rabies certificate signed by the vet, and proof of spay or neuter for the altered-pet rate. Tags are now renewable, so your dog keeps the same tag for life. License page · County code

Off-leash: the Land O’ Lakes Dog Park

Pasco County runs two fenced dog parks; the closer one to Wesley Chapel is at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex (813-929-1220), open dawn to dusk every day. Each has:

  • a partition separating small and large dogs;
  • fire hydrants, tunnels and covered benches;
  • a dog drinking fountain (the county suggests bringing your own bowl);
  • a waste-bag station.

The other is at Anclote Gulf Park on the coast.

Parks and trails that welcome leashed dogs

Place Where Hours Notes
Wesley Chapel District Park 7727 Boyette Road 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. County leash rules; no dogs on fields, courts or playgrounds
Flatwoods Park 14302 Morris Bridge Road; 18205 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. fall and winter; 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. spring and summer Pets allowed; 7-mile paved loop; per-vehicle fee
Morris Bridge Park 12651 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa Sunrise to sunset Pets allowed; about 30 miles of trails; no restrooms
Lettuce Lake Conservation Park 6920 E. Fletcher Ave., Tampa 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. fall and winter Pets allowed, but not on the boardwalk; 1.25-mile paved trail

Flatwoods, Morris Bridge and Lettuce Lake are Hillsborough County parks just south of the county line; Hillsborough’s own rules apply there.

Patios

The Shops at Wiregrass keeps a list of outdoor and pet-friendly patios at its restaurants. Ask your server before you sit down with a dog; each restaurant sets its own patio rules.

Lost or found dog

Pasco County Animal Services posts found pets and takes reports; see its lost and found page or call 813-929-1212.

What this means for you

  • License your dog first; the park rules require a licensed, tagged dog.
  • Use the Land O’ Lakes Dog Park for off-leash play; everywhere else, 6 feet of leash.
  • More parks are on our parks and trails page.

Frequently asked questions

Are dogs allowed in Pasco County parks?

Yes, on a leash no longer than 6 feet, held at all times, with a current license, tag and vaccinations. Dogs may not go into buildings, playgrounds, athletic fields, courts, pavilions, piers, swim areas or beaches.

Is there a dog park in Wesley Chapel?

Pasco County’s nearest fenced dog park is the Land O’ Lakes Dog Park at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, open dawn to dusk every day, with separate areas for small and large dogs.

Do I need a dog license in Pasco County?

Yes. Chapter 14 of the Pasco County Code requires an annual license for dogs and cats 4 months and older. Most local vets sell them with the rabies shot, or buy one online from Pasco County Animal Services, 813-929-1212.

Can I walk my dog at Flatwoods Park?

Yes. Hillsborough County lists pets as allowed at Flatwoods Park, which has a 7-mile paved loop off Morris Bridge Road and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.