San Francisco is a dog-friendly city. There is no greater testament to this than the extensive research, time and energy behind the drafting of the Recreation & Park Department's (RPD's) "Final Dog Policy," a document that has undergone nearly a year-long revision and incorporated the feedback of more than 2,700 respondents. The result is a set of rules and obligations wonderfully accommodating to pets and their owners. San Francisco even maintains a Dog Advisory Committee, which meets several times a year, and unlike many other U.S. cities, actually "recognizes off leash dog activities as a legitimate form of recreation."

So exactly where are you permitted to let your pet run free? The City's Health Code stipulates that all dogs must be "leashed or tethered" except in certain designated areas. The good news is there are 19 of these special "Dog Play Areas" (DPAs) across the parks and squares of the City. See the RPD's guide to Exercising Your Dog In San Francisco's Parks for a map of DPA locations. The National Park Service's Enjoying the Park with Your Dog also provides a helpful dogwalking map. 

Unlike the narrow dog runs of other urban spaces, San Francisco's DPAs are a mandated 10,000 to 30,000 square feet minimum and often blend well with the surrounding landscape. For the most part, they don't have typical chain-link fences and are replaced whenever possible with less obtrusive barriers, such as shrubbery, sitting walls — or in the case of the larger DPAs, simple "soft barriers" like sign posts and field markers. 

When taking advantage of these leash-free areas, remember to abide by the law. Make sure your dog has had his/her rabies vaccination, is at least four months old, and is licensed. Also, be aware that he/she does not stray into areas outside of the DPA: clip his/her leash back on when obligated to do so, and never leave your dog unattended. Finally, always clean up after your pet, whether in the park or out on the sidewalk! The Health Code stipulates that you should and the law applies no matter where you are. The City's DPAs even provide bag dispensers and trash bins, so there's no excuse for being lazy.