Kearny Mesa Dog Park — Attraction in San Diego

After a 9 hour drive, we wanted to let our dog run around after being cooped up in the car. We are in the area for the week so I had researched dog parks and saw the high rating for this one and was particularly delighted it was open until late. There were about 15 dogs there, including a couple of wolf hybrids, who all came to greet us at the gate. It was so cute! But our dog is a little timid in new situations and was overwhelmed by the welcome and one of wolves grabbed her neck and scared her. Bear in mind she is an 85lb Akbash. It was an unfortunate start but typical dog behavior with a newcomer, so we kept a watchful eye. We tried to keep our dog isolated to a corner until she became more comfortable but the wolf would not let her alone so we decided to leave since it was very stressful for all of us. We understood the dynamics were natural but chose to leave, but the owner of the wolf, who never called his animal off, came to us to ask what the problem was. We said our dog was scared so we were leaving and he took offense and said his wolf didn’t touch her and we should not be in the park. So, not only did he take no responsibility for his animal’s behavior or understand our dog’s stress, he blamed us and told us we were not welcome. We just wanted our dog, who loves to socialize, to get some well earned fun after a long day in the car. Unfortunately, rather than help us acclimate to the new surroundings, we were told we were not welcome. It would have been nice to have a little understanding and patience, but it was obvious we were not wanted there. It was a very sad outcome but there are many other dog parks to visit while...

We live close to Nate's Point at Balboa, but Kearny Mesa is one of our favorite fenced dog parks in San Diego behind Little Italy Dog Park (we've also done Dusty Rhodes as well as Grape Street which is NOT fully fenced).

Kearny Mesa is large enough that dogs can really run around, but not so large that it's unmanageable or easy to lose track of your dogs. There are two entrances and ample parking, plus it's lighted at night and open 24 hours (except Thursday mornings until noon for maintenance).

Park goers and volunteers are generally thoughtful and friendly, people refill water jugs from the drinking fountain so there's always easy access to water, and there are poop bags and toy bins attached to the fence around the park. There are a few benches, tables and chairs, and shade trees for some sun protection on those hot days. There's almost always a breeze which is great on warm days but can make it chilly when it's already cool out. Sprinklers appear to run automatically on Saturday mornings (it used to be a regular park) so there can be muddy areas afterwards.

Lots of regulars here so you'll get to know dogs and people if...

It has taken me months to finally write this review, but i feel like the public should know what kind of people and dogs go to this park. My dog was chased down and attacked by a large dog with an irresponsible and distracted dog owner back in April. My dog needed staples in his chest and hip at the ER vet from the attack and I was also bit during the incident, but luckily only walked away with severe bruising on my arms since I was wearing a puffy coat. The dog’s owner who was distracted on his phone and talking to other people at the park (not watching his reactive dog), took no responsibility after it happened and he even tried to leave the park without checking on me or my dog who was visibly bleeding at the time. I had to confront him before he tried to leave the park and he never apologized and told me my dog was “fine”. I used to go here all the time, but I no longer do because there are lots of untrained and highly reactive dogs that play here. Beware if you come here and be careful to watch out for careless owners with untrained dogs! I would never wish this...