Running with Your Dog in Perth: What You Need to Know
Running with your dog in Perth is one of the easiest ways to make an early run feel less like a chore. Your dog doesn’t care about your pace or your watch. They just want to go.
This guide covers where you can run with a dog around Perth (on lead and off), how to handle Perth’s summer heat and hot paths, how to build up your dog’s distance safely, and the gear that makes it easier. Rules differ between councils and change from time to time, so we link each one to its official source. Information checked October 2026.
Key facts at a glance
- Kings Park and Bold Park: dogs welcome on a lead of 2 metres or less, on lead at all times.
- Dog beaches: Trigg, North Beach, Scarborough (Peasholm Street) and South Cottesloe all have designated dog sections.
- Heat: if you can’t hold your hand on the ground for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws (RSPCA WA).
- Puppies: most breeds should wait until they’re fully grown before regular runs. Ask your vet.
- Default rule: anywhere not signposted as a dog exercise area, keep your dog on a lead.
Is Your Dog Ready to Run?
Not every dog is built for running, and that’s fine. A brisk walk together still counts.
Age and growth
Long or regular runs can be hard on a young dog’s developing bones and joints. Preventive Vet suggests waiting until your dog is about 18 months old for most breeds, and notes your vet can confirm when growth plates have closed. Get your own vet’s advice before you start.
Breed and build
Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as pugs, French and English bulldogs and boxers struggle to breathe hard, especially in warm weather, and generally aren’t suited to running. If you’re unsure about your dog, check with your vet first.
Lead manners and recall
A dog that pulls, lunges at birds or stops dead for every smell makes running hard work. Spend a few weeks on loose-lead walking first. If you plan to use off-lead areas, your dog needs reliable recall. The City of Stirling’s own dog park guidelines say not to let your dog off lead without it.
How to Build Up Your Dog’s Distance
Dogs need to build fitness just like we do, and they can’t tell you when something hurts.
- Start with run-walk intervals. Preventive Vet suggests one minute of running followed by two minutes of walking, for about 1.6km in total.
- Add running time gradually. Increase distance by no more than 10-20% every couple of weeks.
- Stay on softer surfaces where you can. Grass, firm sand and limestone paths are kinder on paws than hot bitumen.
- Offer water breaks. Stop, let your dog drink, then start again at an easier pace.
- Watch the day after. Stiffness, limping, sore pads or a dog that doesn’t want to go out again are signs to back off.
If you’re a beginner yourself, this works out well. You can build up together. Plenty of runners in our Perth run club directory started with walk-run intervals too.
Dog-Friendly Running Routes in Perth
These routes all allow dogs, but conditions differ. Check signage on the day, as councils can update their dog exercise areas.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Kings Park overlooks the Swan River beside the CBD and is popular with runners at sunrise. According to the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, dogs on leads are welcome, but:
- Leads must be 2 metres or less, and dogs must stay on lead at all times
- Dogs aren’t allowed on the raised boardwalk section of the Lotterywest Federation Walkway
- Dogs aren’t allowed in children’s playgrounds, cafes or at events
- Dogs shouldn’t be tied up or left in a car
The 2-metre limit rules out most extendable leads, so a fixed or hands-free bungee lead is a better choice here.
Bold Park
Bold Park in City Beach and Floreat has bushland trails close to the coast. The Bold Park FAQ says you can walk your dog on the trails, but it must be on a lead of 2 metres or less at all times. The limestone and sandy trails are cooler underfoot than footpaths, but there’s little shade in parts, so go early.
South Perth foreshore
The South Perth foreshore along the Swan River gives you flat running with city views. The City of South Perth publishes a foreshore map showing on-lead, off-lead and dog-prohibited areas. Its rules include:
- Dogs must be on lead outside designated off-lead areas, and anywhere the map doesn’t mark as off-lead or not permitted
- Dogs aren’t permitted on designated bike paths
- Dogs aren’t permitted in wetlands, bushland or conservation areas, except on lead on designated paths
- Keep dogs at least 5 metres from playgrounds
For a post-run play, Olives Reserve in Como is the City’s fully enclosed dog park for dogs of all sizes. Comer Reserve in Como is enclosed for small dogs of 10kg and under.
Northern beaches: Trigg, Scarborough and North Beach
The coast north of Scarborough is a favourite for sunrise runs. The City of Stirling has three dog beaches:
- Peasholm Street dog beach, Scarborough
- Trigg Beach, between Kathleen and Bennion streets only
- North Beach, between Castle and Margaret streets only
Dogs are prohibited at all other beach and coastal reserve areas in the City of Stirling, and must be on lead across the entire Scarborough Beach foreshore. Herdsman Lake Regional Reserve and Star Swamp Reserve are also on-lead only.
Cottesloe
The Town of Cottesloe has two dog beaches:
- South Cottesloe Beach: from the small groyne at Beach Street to Mosman Beach.
- Grant Street Beach: at the end of North Cottesloe Beach. Dogs aren’t allowed between 10am and 4pm from October to March. There’s rock and reef here, so keep an eye on your dog in the water.
If you’re an early riser, a dawn run and ocean dip at South Cottesloe with your dog fits right in with the Western Suburbs sunrise crowd.
Quick comparison
| Route | Dog rules | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Kings Park | On lead (2m max) at all times | Hills, shade, city views |
| Bold Park | On lead (2m max) on trails | Bush trails, softer ground |
| South Perth foreshore | Mostly on lead; check council map | Flat river loops |
| Trigg / North Beach / Scarborough | Designated dog beach sections only | Sand runs and a swim |
| South Cottesloe | Dog beach, Beach Street to Mosman Beach | Sunrise run and dip |
Running with Your Dog in Perth’s Summer Heat
Perth summers are hot. The Bureau of Meteorology lists the long-term average January maximum for Perth Metro at 31.2°C, and heatwaves push well past that.
How hot is too hot for paws?
Footpaths and roads get much hotter than the air. RSPCA WA cites research showing that when the air above asphalt is 25°C, the road surface can be as hot as 40°C. Their test is simple: if you can’t hold your hand on the ground comfortably for a full five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. The same goes for beach sand.
Summer rules of thumb
- Run early or late. RSPCA WA recommends restricting walks to early morning or late evening in hot weather.
- Do the five-second hand test on paths and sand before you set off.
- Choose shade and soft ground, such as grass, bush trails or wet sand near the water.
- Shorten the run and slow the pace on hot or humid days. Some days, a walk and a swim is the better option.
- Carry water for both of you and stop often.
- Never leave your dog in the car, even for a quick coffee after the run.
Signs of heat stress
RSPCA WA lists heavy panting, drooling, agitation, pacing, and vomiting or diarrhoea as signs of heatstroke. If you notice any of these, stop, move your dog into shade and contact your vet straight away.
For your own summer kit, our guide to running gear for Perth’s summer heat covers sun protection, hydration and lightweight clothing.
What Gear Do You Need to Run with a Dog?
You don’t need much, but a few items help.
- A hands-free lead or waist belt. A bungee section absorbs sudden tugs, and having your hands free helps your balance. Keep the total length within 2 metres if you run in Kings Park or Bold Park.
- A well-fitted harness. A harness takes pressure off your dog’s neck if they pull.
- Water and a collapsible bowl. A 5L running hydration vest gives you room for a soft flask, a bowl and poo bags.
- Poo bags. Councils expect you to clean up after your dog.
- Sun protection for you. A cap, sunglasses and sunscreen, all of which you’ll find in the Perth Running Clubs shop.
- A light for dark mornings. If you run before sunrise, a headlamp or clip-on light helps cyclists and other path users see you both.
Path Etiquette When Running with a Dog
- Keep your dog on the side of you away from passing runners and cyclists.
- Shorten the lead when passing people, other dogs or children.
- Stay off designated bike paths where dogs aren’t permitted.
- Pick up after your dog every time.
Thinking of bringing your dog to a group run or parkrun? Rules vary by club and event, so check with the run club or the event’s own page first. Our runners’ guides cover Perth’s parkruns and social clubs if you’re looking for a group to join.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run with my dog in Kings Park?
Yes. Dogs are welcome in Kings Park on a lead of 2 metres or less, and they must stay on lead at all times. Dogs aren’t allowed on the raised boardwalk of the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, in playgrounds, cafes or at events.
Where can my dog run off lead in Perth?
Only in a council’s designated dog exercise areas. Examples include the City of Stirling dog beaches at Trigg, North Beach and Peasholm Street in Scarborough, South Cottesloe dog beach, and enclosed dog parks such as Olives Reserve in Como. Check your council’s website or signage, because anywhere not marked as an exercise area is on lead.
How hot is too hot to run with my dog?
Use RSPCA WA’s hand test: if you can’t keep your hand on the path or sand for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. In Perth’s summer, run early in the morning or late in the evening.
How old should my dog be before we start running?
For most breeds, the general advice is to wait until your dog is fully grown, around 18 months, before regular running. Your vet can tell you when your dog is ready.
How far can my dog run?
It depends on breed, age and fitness. Start with run-walk intervals over a short distance and increase by no more than 10-20% every couple of weeks. Watch for limping, sore pads or tiredness the next day, and ease back if you see them.
Can I use an extendable lead?
Extendable leads aren’t ideal for running because they’re hard to control on busy paths. In Kings Park and Bold Park, leads must be 2 metres or less, so a fixed or hands-free bungee lead is the better option.
Ready to Run Together?
Running with your dog in Perth is easy once you know the rules. Start slowly, run early, check the ground and carry water for you both.
Pick up a hydration vest, sunscreen and summer kit in the Perth Running Clubs shop, and find a friendly group near you in our Perth run club directory.
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