About PETA’s Bea Arthur Dog Park
Ever wonder what dogs are dreaming about when their tails start thumping and their toes twitch in the middle of a deep sleep? Playing at the dog park, of course! And PETA has one of the best in the land: the Bea Arthur Dog Park, a spacious dog park overlooking the water, complete with a pergola for shade and shelter, plants, and trees, right next to PETA's headquarters (501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510).
Named after the group's late honorary director Bea Arthur, the park features a water station, a toy bin, and a shaded picnic area. Make sure you check out the park's simple rules, which help to ensure safety while playing! Please note: To protect sensitive wildlife who call this area home, the park no longer offers dogs access to the Elizabeth River.
See who’s hanging out in PETA’s Bea Arthur Dog Park today
Sometimes you’ll see local dogs having a good time running and playing, and other times you’ll glimpse something different— such as when many of us gathered to dance for a PETA fundraiser. You just never know who you’ll see or what will be going on. So stay tuned and check back often!
“But what if the park is closed?” you ask. It’s almost never closed. But if you want to be on the safe side, just call 757-962-8302 to ensure the park will be open when you plan to visit. Whenever it’s closed, check out the neighboring Ben White Dog Park. Our smaller park is conveniently open when the Bea Arthur Dog Park is closed.
Please note: Because loud noises and fireworks can be terrifying for dogs, they will not be allowed in the parks during local fireworks displays.
PETA’s Community Animal Project
Among the dogs playing in PETA’s park, dearly loved by guardians who take them to dog parks and throw them dog parties, you will occasionally find one who’s being treated to the first freedom he or she has ever had in life.
Why are they there? Because PETA goes into the most impoverished areas of southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina to offer services to dogs kept chained or penned their whole lives. The dogs visit the park to enjoy a romp before being sterilized aboard one of PETA’s mobile clinics, which offer free or low-cost spay/neuter services. We never turn anyone away based on their finances.
PETA’s Community Animal Project (CAP) helps thousands of dogs in underserved localities by providing them with items that can help make the harsh lives that they endure a little less miserable. Flea prevention, deworming medication, food, fresh water, toys, treats, and more are all free of charge to their owners! CAP also delivers custom-built wooden doghouses, provides flexible tie-outs to replace the heavy chains that hold the dogs prisoner, and supplies straw to help keep them dry and less cold as temperatures drop. For many of these dogs, our fieldworkers are their only source of affection and respect.