Free dogs in Broward County

Photo by Yesenia Hernandez

Who's a good dog? Your dog? Well, it's time to reward him, then! While you're away, your dog is sitting at home, waiting, wondering if every sound or flash of lights against the front window is you getting home. You're his entire life. He loves you unconditionally. He doesn't tell your secrets to anyone. Well, that's mostly because he can't speak, but if he could speak, he would say you owe him a trip to the dog park for his unquestioned loyalty.

Yes, a dog park. Not a regular-old park. A dog park. Ever hear of a cat park? No! You know why? Because dogs earned this. Now give them what is owed to them. You have thumbs and GPS; otherwise, they would do it themselves.

Here are the best dog parks in Broward County. Your dog can't read, so this is on you.

6500 SW 16th St., Plantation
954-452-2510

Happy Tails' features include three activity areas: a leash-free run section, a wide-open fun area for bigger dogs, and an exercise area. Don't worry if your dog is more of a lightweight than heavyweight; there is an area for smaller dogs that weigh 20 pounds or less. The park is open 7 a.m. until dusk every day except Wednesday, when it opens at noon.

2915 Sportsplex Drive, Coral Springs
954-344-1000; toppetcare.com

Dr. Paul's Dog Park's puppy perks include agility equipment, an open field for a leash-free frolic, and water stations so your best friends can quench their thirst without having to go through the whole playing-charades-with-their-eyes-and-tail deal with you. There's a small-dog area to keep the little guys from getting trampled by the big guys. And human bathrooms are close by for when nature calls. This is also one of the only dog parks for night owls, with hours from dawn to 9:30 p.m. — and plenty of lights.

2901 SW 52nd St., Dania Beach
954-985-4400

Precious Paws is a spacious 1.1-acre dog park that features separate fenced-in areas — one for large dogs and the other for small dogs, both unleashed-approved. This particular park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, excluding holidays. This is one of those parks where to get the goods, you're going to have to show your dog's vaccinations in advance. The park offers a good value with its $25-a-year price for city residents.