Forbes.com 2007's top 10 list of pet-friendly cities included both Portland, Ore. and Seattle, placing the Pacific Northwest in the top-tier. The list (which hasn't been repeated by the magazine since) was based on a variety of factors, including the amount of public park acreage, especially dog parks.

Dog parks, especially those off leash, are great because they promote responsible pet ownership, provide dogs and owners with a safe environment for socialization and exercise and also are just a fun place to spend a few hours, rain or shine.

Tacoma

The first off-leash dog park in Tacoma debuted in 2004. Though only 1.5 acres in size, Rogers Dog Park, located at 3300 East L. St., is a popular spot for pet owners living in the city and is fully fenced. In 2009, MetroParks of Tacoma opened the second and third off-leash areas within two existing parks, McKinley Park, 907 Upper Park St., and Point Defiance Park, 5400 N Pearl St. Both areas measure seven acres, but the off-leash sections are only partially fenced and may not be suitable for all types of dogs.

Puyallup

The Puyallup Dog Park is located between Clarks Creek Park North, at 7th Ave. SW, and Clarks Creek Park South, at 14th Street SW & 12th Ave. SW, and can be accessed by entering either park. The park, which is fully fenced and measures approximately 2/3 of an acre, has been open so far on a trial basis.Final approval will be based upon the public's use of the area.

JBLM

Joint Base Lewis-McChord also hopped on the dog park bandwagon and opened the fence to Massing of the Collars Dog Park, which is run by the office of Morale, Welfare and Recreation and sponsored by the Pet Brigade. The park, which has two separate areas that are each 3.5 acres, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As there is no physical address associated with the park, directions can be acquired through the Pet Brigade. Call (253) 912-4898 or stop by building 04907, Pendleton Dr., JBLM North.

JBLM McChord Field has also set up a smaller doggie park that is located diagonally across from the intersection of Lincoln Blvd SW and Outer Drive, though this one also does not have a definitive address. From the main gate, turn right at the light and then make a left into Lincoln Blvd.

Olympia

The Sound Hounds volunteer group has been actively working with the city of Olympia for the past 18 months to open dog parks that lie within Thurston County limits. The one-acre Sunrise Park Off-Leash Dog Area, located at 505 Bing St. NW in Olympia, opened on Oct. 15, 2010.

Later that month, the Thurston County Off-Leash Dog Area at Hawks Prairie opened. The five-acre dog park is located at the closed Hawks Prairie landfill, now called the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center, at 2418 Hogum Bay Rd. NE, Lacey. The group is also continuing to scope out additional locations within the county, like Chambers Lake Park in Southeast Olympia.

Federal Way

The second largest dog park in the area is in Federal Way, at French Lake Park, 31531 1st Avenue S. The park, which measures 10 acres, is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., May through August and 7 a.m. to dusk, September though April. It is run by Park Pals, a non-profit community group dedicated to cleaning and maintaining the park.

Lakewood

In 2005, a citizens' group called Protect Our Pets formed and worked with the City of Lakewood to develop the Fort Steilacoom Dog Park, located at 8714 87th Avenue SW. The completely fenced-in park is the largest in the area, spanning an astounding 22 acres, and offers two separate areas, one for smaller dogs and one for the larger breeds. Today the park is promoted and maintained by the 100 members of Protect Our Pets and is a favorite with pet owners throughout the South Sound.

To monitor what new dog parks might be opening in the future, visit www.doggoes.com/parks/washington/seattle.