Paws in Parks
The Paws in Parks program balances and accommodates the needs of all park users, including dogs.
The program provides off-leash access to accommodate the needs of dog owners to exercise their pets; to reduce the congestion of dogs and their owners along Dallas Road; and to ensure the basic needs of other parks users are not unduly compromised by off-leash areas. There are 12 off-leash parks in Victoria.
Paws in Parks sites have specific areas and times for dogs to exercise off-leash, provided they remain under their owner's control and that owners carry a leash with them at all times. With the exception of designated off-leash areas and private property, all dogs must be on a leash in the City of Victoria.
Each Paws in Parks site includes signage, a dispenser stocked with biodegradable doggie bags, and a trash bin.
Rules to Paws For
In addition to knowing when and where dogs are allowed off-leash, there are some simple rules for handlers to follow:
- Make sure your dog is wearing a current licence tag on their collar.
- Pick up after your dog and dispose of waste in a garbage can.
- Keep your dog outside of playground boundaries.
- Do not allow your dog to dig holes in a City park.
- Do not let your dog jump up on people.
- Ensure you have control of your dog at all times, whether on or off-leash.
No Dog Areas
No dogs, other than certified assistance dogs, are allowed on or off-leash, in the following areas:
- A small area of Beacon Hill Park (the heron rookery), located south of Good Acre Lake
- Ross Bay Cemetery
- Gonzales Beach between June 1 and August 31
- Pioneer Square
- Playgrounds with sand, rubber, or wood chips.
