TLDR
Montclair is very dog-friendly. Best walks: Eagle Rock Reservation and Edgemont Park. Best dog daycare: Camp Bow Wow Montclair. Several Bloomfield Ave restaurants have dog-friendly patios. The town has a strong dog-owner community.
Dog-Friendly Guide to Montclair NJ (2026)
Montclair is one of the more dog-friendly suburban communities in New Jersey. Between Eagle Rock Reservation's trails, the neighborhood parks, and a downtown corridor of restaurants with outdoor seating, it's an easy place to have a dog. Here's everything you need to know.
Best Dog Parks & Walks
Eagle Rock Reservation
Leash: RequiredThe best dog walk in Montclair. Miles of well-maintained trails through the Watchung Ridge with minimal car traffic. Dogs must be leashed. The NYC skyline views are a bonus. Go early on weekends to beat the crowd.
Edgemont Memorial Park
Leash: RequiredNeighborhood park popular with dog owners. Open grass areas and walking paths. Quieter and more casual than Eagle Rock — great for a daily morning walk.
Anderson Park
Leash: RequiredGood for a leashed walk around the perimeter. Gets busy on weekends. Dogs not allowed in the pool area.
Mountainside Park
Leash: RequiredSmaller, less crowded. Good option for evenings when Eagle Rock parking is full. Borders the reservation.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants & Patios
Several Montclair restaurants welcome leashed dogs on their outdoor patios. Always call ahead to confirm current policy — outdoor seating and pet policies change seasonally.
Pig & Prince
Outdoor seating area — dogs generally welcome on the patio when weather permits.
Café Vero
Sidewalk tables on Bloomfield Ave. Dog-friendly outdoor area.
Samba
Patio seating with dog-friendly policy in warm months.
Just Jakes
Outdoor patio — check current policy.
Dog Services in Montclair NJ
Daycare & Boarding
Camp Bow Wow Montclair, Paws & Claws Pet Resort
Grooming
Multiple independent groomers along Bloomfield Ave corridor. Prices run $65–$120 for standard groom depending on breed.
Veterinarians
Montclair Animal Hospital (Bay Street area), Bloomfield Ave Animal Hospital, Mountainside Animal Clinic
Dog Training
Several independent trainers operate in Montclair; look for AKC-certified trainers through local community boards
FAQ
Are dogs allowed at Eagle Rock Reservation?
Yes — dogs are welcome at Eagle Rock Reservation on a leash. It's one of the most popular dog-walking destinations in Montclair. The trails are well-maintained and the reservation spans over 400 acres.
Are there dog-friendly restaurants in Montclair NJ?
Yes — several Bloomfield Ave restaurants allow leashed dogs on outdoor patio seating, including Pig & Prince, Café Vero, and Samba. Always call ahead to confirm current policy, especially earlier or later in the season.
Is there a dog park in Montclair NJ?
Montclair does not have a dedicated off-leash dog park as of 2026. Dogs must be leashed in all township parks. Some residents advocate for an off-leash area — check the Montclair Township Facebook groups for the latest.