Fort Greene Park is Brooklyn's oldest park and its central lawn beneath the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument is the neighbourhood's living room on a warm afternoon. An adoption day there means crates and pens on the grass, volunteers walking dogs for you to meet, and the very real possibility you go home with something. Free to attend whether or not you are adopting, and the park is worth the trip regardless.
What to expect
Expect pens and tables set up on the lawn with rescue volunteers handling introductions, dogs on leads circulating, and a steady crowd of neighbourhood browsers. If you are seriously adopting, bring ID and be ready for an application process rather than a same-hour take-home. The park has restrooms, a playground and long views from the monument steps.
Good to know
- Fort Greene Park is bounded by Myrtle, DeKalb, Washington Park and St Edwards; the B/Q/R to DeKalb Avenue and the G to Fulton Street are both close.
- Free to attend — you do not need to be adopting to come.
- If you plan to adopt, bring photo ID and expect an application, not an instant handover.
- Bring water for any dog you already have with you.
- The lawn is grass with paved paths around it; the monument steps are steep.
- Best mid-afternoon, when the plane trees put shade on the south lawn.
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Common questions
Do I need to apply in advance to adopt?
Most rescues require an application and screening, so bring ID and expect a process rather than a same-day handover.
Can I come just to look?
Yes — it is free and open to anyone.
Where in Fort Greene Park is it?
On the lawn south of the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument.
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