Where dogs can be dogs.

Canine Field Day is an off-leash outdoor adventure on Congaree and Penn’s acres. Enjoy the wilder side of the farm in wide open fields, meandering trails, and swimming holes.

Who is Canine Field Day for?

If your canine loves other dogs, people, and off-leash outdoor adventures, they’re in for a treat! Please make note of recommendations and requirements below.
Recommendations
- We highly recommend that your dog has good recall (your dog should come to you when called).
- If your dog likes to swim, our acres offer swimming holes and the Little Trout River. Please keep in mind that these are natural waterways that can be muddy.
Requirements
- Dogs must be friendly toward other dogs and humans.
- Dogs must be current on rabies, distemper, and bordatella vaccinations.
- Dogs who are old enough to be spayed or neutered must be spayed or neutered to participate in Canine Field Day.
- Puppies must be at least four months old to participate.
- Dogs should be fit enough to walk to the off-leash location (a 15 - 20 minute walk from the quonset hut).
Canine Field Day is best suited for adult humans who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors with their dog. Please make note of recommendations and requirements below.
Recommendations
- We recommend that humans are comfortable with exploring natural terrain, like tall grass and puddles. If you prefer turf and sidewalks, our acres might not be the right vibe for you.
- We recommend wearing closed toe footwear that you don't mind getting a bit of dirt on (like hiking boots or wellies or a pair of well loved sneakers). Insect repellent is a good idea, too.
- Your dog will probably get wet and / or muddy. That’s okay!
- Don’t bring balls or toys. If you do, be prepared for another dog to take that ball or toy. You aren’t allowed to get upset about it.
Requirements
- Humans should be fit enough to walk to the off-leash location (a 15 - 20 minute walk from the parking lot).
- Dog guardians / owners must be 18+ to participate in Canine Field Day. Canine Field Day is meant for dogs and their adult humans. Children are strongly discouraged from attending Canine Field Day due to the significant safety risks of off-leash dogs. If you choose to bring a child to Canine Field Day, you will assume full responsibility of your child's safety.

How does it work?

- Dogs must remain on leash until they reach the designated off leash destination. Leashes must extend no longer than six feet, and humans must always be in full control. Retractable / flexi leashes are prohibited.
- Humans and dogs must be willing and physically capable of walking to and from the off-leash destination. Depending on your pace, the walk is a 15 - 20 minute commute each way.
- Canine Field Day is meant for dogs to be off leash in the designated area. Please remove your dog’s leash when you reach the off-leash area. If you would prefer to leave your dog on leash, we would recommend visiting on another day, or staying away from the off-leash area.
- All participating dogs must be at least four months of age and current on rabies, distemper, and bordatella vaccinations. All dogs who are old enough to be spayed or neutered must be spayed or neutered to participate in Canine Field Day.
- Dogs must be in full view and within voice control of their owner. Guardians / owners must pay attention to their dog’s behavior at all times.
- Congaree and Penn does not employ “ruffarees.” Guardians / owners are responsible for managing their own canine(s). Sometimes dogs disagree – it is the responsibility of the guardian / owner to create space between dogs. The farm offers dozens of acres for canines and their owners to explore and enjoy. Please utilize this space!
- Two dogs maximum per adult human.
- Dog guardians / owners must be 18+ to participate in Canine Field Day. Canine Field Day is meant for dogs and their adult humans. Children are strongly discouraged from attending Canine Field Day due to the significant safety risks of off-leash dogs. If you choose to bring a child to Canine Field Day, you will assume full responsibility of your child's safety.
- Please clean up after your dog immediately. Please dispose of waste in a waste bin. Please do not litter.
- Outside food and beverages are not permitted.
- Walk-in guests without a reservation made in advance will be charged $20 per canine and $15 per human and must sign a waiver in person.
$15 per canine* | $10 per human*
*Ticket sales will close 24 hours prior. Walk-in guests without a reservation made in advance are welcome and will be charged $20 per canine and $15 per human. Walk-in guests must sign a waiver in person.
Reserve Your Tickets
Arrive whenever you'd like during the scheduled timeframe. When you arrive, you will check in and receive a map to guide you to the the off-leash destination.
Depending on your pace, enjoy a 15 - 20 minute walk with your dog on leash to the off-leash destination. Think of it as warm up! Once you’ve reached the destination, Fido is free to run free!
Dogs are only permitted off leash in the designated off-leash area and only during the designated timeframe. Your canine must remain leashed until you arrive at the off-leash area, and must be leashed again when you depart the off-leash area.

FAQ

Yes! Farm passes are included for every guest within the reservation. You will not need to purchase separate farm passes.
Acres. Like a hundred of them.
The entire 330 acre farm is fenced, but the off-leash area does not have its own interior fence. We highly recommend that your dog is well versed in coming when he is called.
We don’t recommend bringing balls or toys – there is plenty for your dog to smell and do without them.
If you do bring a ball or toy, be prepared for another dog to take that ball or toy. You aren’t allowed to get upset about it.
Yes! You may allow your dog to swim at your own risk. Waterways are natural and conditions will vary. Wildlife may be present. Your dog may get muddy and will be exposed to be natural elements. Congaree and Penn does not guarantee that waterways are always safe for swimming.
We’ve spotted both on occasion. Again, you may allow your dog to explore, run, and / or swim at your own risk. The owners of Congaree and Penn allow their own dogs to explore, run, and swim daily.
We do also encourage you to check your dog and yourself for ticks after your adventure.
We recommend wearing "outdoor shoes." Closed toe footwear that you don't mind getting a bit of dirt on (like hiking boots or wellies or a pair of well loved sneakers). It it's been raining at the farm, the ground might be muddy and puddly in spots. Insect repellent is a good idea, too.
If it sprinkles, enjoy it. If heavy rain is forecasted, we will cancel the field day and notify you by email at least one hour prior. You will be given a booking credit to use for another Canine Field Day or other agritourism experience at the farm.
Yes! If you plan on dining before or after Canine Field Day, dining reservations are required. Dogs are welcome on the patio, but must remain leashed and quiet. It is the responsibility of the owner to escort barking dogs away from the restaurant. Please be mindful and respectful of other guests who are dining. They might be cat people.
Canine Field Day is limited to the listed timeframe. The timeframe might vary, but they are always three hours long. You are welcome to arrive and depart whenever you would like during that timeframe.
Dogs are only permitted off-leash in the designated off-leash area and only during the designated timeframe. Your canine must remain leashed until you arrive at the off-leash area, and must be leashed again when you depart the off-leash area.