DOGS may not speak, but the mere mention of a “walk” can trigger an unmistakably enthusiastic response.
While one can usually find a regular neighbourhood route for walks, a change of scenery and more importantly a place free from traffic worries, is always welcome.
Here, StarMetro highlights parks in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor where one can take pets for some great exercise while enjoying the fresh air or socialising with like-minded fur parents.
One important reminder is to abide by any regulations at parks requiring pets to be leashed at all times.
Owners must also clean up after their pets.
Don’t forget to bring plastic bags and wet wipes, in case a park does not provide the necessary facilities.
Kuala Lumpur
Among pet-friendly areas in the capital city are The Central Park in Desa Park City and IWK Eco Park in Pantai Dalam.
The Central Park is a haven for dog lovers, with a meandering lakeside path as well as grassy expanses.
There are also several plastic bag dispensers alongside bins to assist owners in cleaning up after their pets.
The place is busiest in cooler mornings and evenings, while pet-friendly cafes and shops make this a convenient destination for day-long outings.
The 12ha IWK Eco Park, built atop a sewerage treatment plant, features concrete paths and grass verges in an engineered landscape.
With a man-made waterfall and forest trees like terap, merbau, sentol and kekatong providing shade, it is a chill place even on hot sunny days.
Pet owners are advised to bring their own cleanup gear.
The park also has sports facilities and a children’s playground.
Petaling Jaya
Central Park in Bandar Utama, located across the 1Utama shopping centre, continues to draw pet lovers from surrounding areas for its friendly ambience and shady mature trees.
Whether for walks or just socialising while sat on camping chairs, pet owners can enjoy immaculate vibes within the small but verdant space.
Subang Jaya
The city has quite a few pet-friendly parks with good views and facilities for both owner and canine.
Taman Rekreasi Putra Heights in Putra Heights has shady spots where both can sit and take time to enjoy the lush greenery.
Facilities include an outdoor gym, futsal and basketball courts, and children’s playground, but do note that these are off-limits to pets.
Those in the mood for long walks or part-training for a canicross (running tethered to dogs) can try two parks in Puchong.
Taman Wawasan Recreational Park is a vast and spacious site with lake views and shade from tall trees.
Puchong Puteri Town Park in Bandar Puteri, meanwhile, boasts a wooden bridge spanning a tranquil lake where lilies and water hyacinths float on the surface.
Do look out for a display on a butterfly species. Egrets and otters have also been spotted there.
Urban Forest Park in USJ 3, though small, features grassy areas for dogs to explore.
Parking is free and there are gazebos where dog and handler may rest after walks.
In Bandar Sunway, Squarrel’s Pet Playground at Sunway South Quay Lake welcomes small canines to enjoy play days.
Located at the lower ground floor of Sunway Square Mall, the facility is open to pets under 40cm in length and 20kg in weight.
Pets do not need to be leashed, but are required to be in diapers. Only 15 pets with their handlers are allowed in at a time.
Pets are also welcome at Tropicana Metropark Urban Park in Jalan MP 2, opposite Southplace Shoppes.
But the pets are not allowed at the children’s playground area.
Another pet-friendly space is PARC at Subang Ria in Jalan SS12/1, with its lakeside spans making for ideal picnic spots.
Take note however that the jogging track and pickleball courts on either side of the park are off-limits to pets.
Otherwise, there is ample parking space, an outdoor gym and a children’s playground too.
Shah Alam
Selangor’s capital city has three parks that accept pets – Dragonfly Park at Eco Grandeur in Puncak Alam, and Maya Park in Eco Ardence and Setia Eco Park, both in Setia Alam.
Dragonfly Park, named for its dragonfly shape from above, provides French-style gazebos and unhindered green lawns.
Maya Park sits beside a cluster of shops housed in refurbished shipping containers, with a pet shop offering grooming services as part of the mix.
Restaurants, dessert cafes, a supermarket and bicycle rentals are also conveniently available for pets and handlers.
On a whole other level is Setia Eco Park in Jalan Setia Nusantara U13/17, which has an entire trail called “Eucalyptus Walk” that allows pets to run free, play and swim.
Best of all, there is also a bath area where dogs − especially those that like rolling in muddy puddles − can be washed before going home.
Do note that the restaurant and sports club area of D’Network does not allow pets.
Klang
The city’s Gravit8 Lake Park in Jalan Bayu Laut 6/KS 09 allows pet dogs and provides bags for dog waste.
Pet owners are advised to be responsible and have their pets leashed to ensure other visitors are not disturbed.
Gombak
At Gamuda Gardens Water-front Village in Rawang, dogs can enjoy a play area and also run off-leash while taking on an agility course.
One feature to look out for is a board walk that spans a swamp-like body of water with plenty of water reeds.
Hulu Langat
Origami Park at Persiaran Jade Hills Utama in Kajang has a dog run with ramps and tunnels for pets to play.
Next to this facility are restaurants and convenience shops.
Overall, the park’s even surfaces makes walking and jogging along the concrete paths a comfortable experience.
Sepang
IOI Resort City’s Central Park has a fenced area where dogs can be off-leash to enjoy an obstacle course.
However, pet handlers must be at least 18, while minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Children under 12 and pets under four months old are discouraged for safety reasons, while certain breeds, pets in heat or those deemed dangerous are not allowed.
Food or treats are also strictly prohibited within the park area.
At Central Park at 16 Sierra in Puchong South, pets and owners can enjoy green spaces and endless lawns, as well as a dog run with a seesaw.
Then there is the expansive Taman Tasik Cyberjaya dog-friendly public park, with plenty of shady trees and green open areas.
Kuala Langat
Although a large part of Gamuda Cove Central Park in Persiaran Cove Utama is still under construction, it does little to dampen the beauty of its vast park with a lake filled with blooming water lilies.
The district’s Quayside Mall Parks in Gamuda Kemuning, Telok Panglima Garang, features an off-leash area with an obstacle course for pets to run free.
