Burkert, who calls Austin her winter home, believes it’s one of the most pet-friendly cities in the entire country. On the dog park front, her favorite is Zilker Metropolitan Park. “Dog park,” in this case, is actually a bit of a misnomer because Zilker is a regular city park – and a huge one at that, approximately 350 acres right in the middle of Austin. “When you put a fence around a dog park, it sort of constrains activity and can amp up the boisterousness and rambunctiousness in the dogs,” Burkert says. “You don’t have that with Zilker because it’s open, so dogs there feel free to roam and interact comfortably with soccer players, volleyball players, walkers and other dogs.” Of course, because Zilker isn’t fenced in, it’s extra important to keep an eye on what’s going on around you and your dog. Another great Austin dog park is Auditorium Shores. “If your dog loves to go swimming, this is right on Ladybird Lake, easily accessible from downtown Austin. It’s a little dog beach with little steps into the water,” Burkert says. Again, be careful to keep a close eye on your dog here, as not only is there no fence around the park, there’s also a bike path that cuts through it. Norwood is the best fenced-in dog park in Austin, Burkert says. The feeling of claustrophobia present at many dog parks is absent here. At two acres, it’s plenty spacious, and it separates large dogs and small ones into different sections of the park, so you don’t have to worry about your Chihuahua getting feisty with a Great Dane.,Whether you’re a Lone Star State local or thinking about visiting Texas for the first time, dog owners should know that many of its cities are very pet-friendly, with restaurants, shops, hotels and various other activities accommodating humans and canines alike. It’s also a state full of dog parks, which can provide you and your dog with a great opportunity to get outside, enjoy some fresh air and time together and let your dog cut loose. Amy Burkert, owner of GoPetFriendly.com, says the most important thing when considering taking your dog to an off-leash dog park is to know your dog’s personality. “Some dogs don’t like other dogs,” she says. “You need to closely observe him in this environment to know if he’s having fun and when he’s had enough.” Burkert also recommends that first-timers visit a dog park either early or late in the day, when parks aren’t as crowded, for a less overwhelming experience. If you’re ready to try a dog park, or if you already know they’re for you and your dog, here are some of the most unique, spacious and enjoyable ones in the great state of Texas: