Clermont's two dog parks are at Lake Hiawatha Preserve. Off your property, city code says your dog must be leashed, licensed, vaccinated and cleaned up after.

Last checked Oct. 8, 2026. Rules come from the Clermont Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Animals; parks from the City of Clermont’s facility pages; venues from their own websites, linked. City Hall: 352-394-4081.

Clermont has two dog parks at Lake Hiawatha Preserve, a lakefront picnic park that welcomes leashed dogs, miles of paved trail and a historic downtown that the city itself invites you to visit with “Fido.” The rules are simple: off your own property, your dog is on a leash, licensed, vaccinated and cleaned up after.

The rules in one box

  • Leash: required off your property (Sec. 6-13)
  • Pick up: owners must remove waste from walks, recreation areas and other people’s property (Sec. 6-9)
  • License: buy a city animal license every year at the city clerk’s office (Sec. 6-79)
  • Rabies: vaccination by a licensed veterinarian is required, with the tag worn on the collar (Sec. 6-78)

Dog parks

Lake Hiawatha Preserve, 450 12th St., west of the roundabout. A 220-acre passive park with two dog parks, a playground, a picnic pavilion and restrooms, open sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. Champions Pointe Disc Golf Course is in the same park, so expect players on the fairways. Admission is free, as it is at every city park.

Parks and lakefront with your dog

  • Park of Indian Hills, 1199 W. Lakeshore Drive: a waterfront picnic area where the city says leashed dogs are permitted.
  • Waterfront Park, Victory Pointe and the lakefront trail: the city’s parks chapter does not ban dogs, and the animal chapter requires them on a leash. City parks close from dusk to dawn.
  • Not at the splash pad. Pets are banned at Champions Splash Park.

Trails

The paved Clermont/Minneola Trail runs 5.2 miles from West Beach along Lake Minneola, and the South Lake Trail connects Clermont to the West Orange Trail in Orange County. The city lists water fountains, shade and restrooms along the South Lake Trail. Bring water for your dog in summer, and keep to the right: the trails are shared with cyclists, runners and skaters. Distances and trailheads: walking and biking trails.

Downtown, patios and places that welcome dogs

  • Historic downtown. The city’s downtown page invites visitors to “bring your family, friends and Fido - and stay awhile,” with breweries, restaurants and the Sunday farmers market a few blocks apart. Ask each business about its own patio rules.
  • Cheeser’s Palace Cafe, 707 W. Montrose St., says it is rolling out a menu for four-legged guests, with treats and water bowls.
  • The Showcase of Citrus, 15051 Frank Jarrell Road, is open every day of the year and says pets are welcome. Phone: 352-394-4377.
  • Southern Hill Farms does not allow pets at its u-pick events, but it sets aside pet-friendly evenings; its 18+ Night and Pet Friendly Evening is Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, from 4 to 8 p.m.

Pups in the Park

The city’s free dog festival, Pups in the Park, returns to Lake Hiawatha Preserve on Saturday, March 13, 2027, at 9 a.m. In 2026 it had a dog lure course, a superhero costume contest and “Puppuccino with a Cop.” Pet businesses can apply to take part at no cost.

Noise, bites and lost dogs

  • Barking: the city code bars letting an animal bark or howl repeatedly so it disturbs neighbors (Sec. 6-10).
  • Loose dogs: under Sec. 6-7, dogs found running at large are impounded and held at the city’s public services shelter before transfer to county animal services. Call City Hall, 352-394-4081, or the Clermont Police Department non-emergency line, 352-394-5588.
  • Bites: report a bite to the county health department, as the code requires.
  • Adopting: Lake County Animal Shelter.

Related: parks and trails in Clermont and kids’ activities in Clermont.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a dog park in Clermont?

Yes. Lake Hiawatha Preserve, 450 12th St., a 220-acre city park, has two dog parks, a playground, a picnic pavilion and restrooms. It is open sunrise to sunset every day.

Do dogs have to be on a leash in Clermont?

Yes, off your own property. Section 6-13 of the Clermont city code says an animal off its owner’s property must be under restraint, which in a public place means leashed and controlled by a competent, responsible person.

Do I need a dog license in Clermont?

Yes. Under Section 6-79 of the city code, residents must buy an animal license each year at the city clerk’s office, and the tag and a current rabies tag must be worn on the collar or harness.

Can I bring my dog to the Clermont splash pad?

No. The city bans pets at Champions Splash Park, along with food, drink and bikes.

Is there a dog event in Clermont?

Pups in the Park, the city’s free dog festival at Lake Hiawatha Preserve, is Saturday, March 13, 2027, starting at 9 a.m.