Paws in Parks > Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed in Victoria parks?
- Are there parks or areas where dogs are not allowed?
- What does "off-leash" mean?
- Which parks have off-leash areas?
- Is there a map that shows where these parks are?
- What are the off-leash times?
- How was this program and these rules developed?
- How will I know which areas within a park are "off-leash"?
- How are off-leash areas enforced?
- What is the penalty for dog owners who do not follow the Animal Control bylaw and off leash rules?
- How will people learn about these changes?
- Where can I get a brochure?
- How will this program be evaluated?
- Is this program temporary or permanent?
- Where can I get a dog licence?
- How much does a dog licence cost?
- What type of bags does the City Parks use for dog waste baggies?
1. Are dogs allowed in Victoria parks?
Dogs are allowed in most Victoria parks provided they are licensed and on a leash.
Eight parks have areas designated for off-leash play during specific hours.
One area, at Dallas Road (between Clover Point and Douglas Street) has 24 hour off-leash access for dogs.
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2. Are there parks or areas where dogs are not allowed?
Yes.
No dogs --other than certified assistance dogs-- are allowed, on-leash or
off- leash, in the following areas defined as:
- A small area of Beacon Hill Park (heron rookery)
- Ross Bay Cemetery
- Pioneer Square
- Gonzales Beach between June 01st and August 31st
- Playgrounds with sand, rubber, or wood chips
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3. What does "off-leash" mean?
Off-leash means a dog can play and exercise while not on a leash.
However, dogs must always remain under the owner's control and the owner should have a leash with them at all times.
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4. Which parks have off-leash areas?
- Topaz
- Oswald
- Arbutus
- Victoria West Park
- Alexander
- Redfern
- Gonzales Beach
- Dallas Road (Clover Point to Douglas Street)
- Banfield
- Pemberton
- Songhees Hilltop
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5. Is there a map that shows where these parks are?
Off Leash Parks - Map and Times - Printable Version - [PDF 214KB]
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6. What are the off-leash times?
Each park has specific times for off-leash dog areas. The times were customized to each park and neighbourhood to best accommodate all park users. Click here to view.
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7. How was this program and these rules developed?
The Paws in Parks program was designed by an advisory committee composed of representatives with a wide range of interests and areas of expertise concerning both the usage of area parks and dogs. Members included staff and management of the City of Victoria Parks Department, members of the public and two members of council, who attended as non-voting members of the committee. Specific parks and hours, a revised bylaw and information program were determined after advisory committee meetings held over a 15 month period and extensive community discussion.
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8. How will I know which areas within a park are "off-leash"?
New signs have been installed in the eleven parks with off-leash areas. They outline where and when off leash dogs are allowed. They also note responsible dog behavior and contacts for Animal Control and the City's Parks division.
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9. How are off-leash areas enforced?
Victoria Animal Control Services is contracted to enforce our animal control bylaw. Officers regularly patrol all city parks to ensure dogs, and dog owners, are acting responsibly so all park users can enjoy the parks.
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10. What is the penalty for dog owners who do not follow the Animal Control bylaw and off leash rules?
The penalty for disobeying the Animal Control Bylaw is a $50 fine.
Enforcement of the Animal Control bylaw is contracted to Victoria Animal Control Services, their phone number is 414-0233.
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11. How will people learn about these changes?
There are a variety of ways people can learn more about the program and bylaw changes. A brochure (link) that includes a map and table of parks will be available at pet stores, recreation centres and City Hall. It can also be downloaded from this site. The brochure will be mailed out in dog licence reminders as well.
In addition to the brochure, signs have been installed in the eight parks with off-leash areas. Advertising in the community papers and the Times Colonist will also inform people of the changes in early June.
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12. Where can I get a brochure?
Brochures are available at City Hall, Recreation centers, through Animal Control and Bylaw Enforcement, as well as pet stores and the SPCA.
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13. How will this program be evaluated?
Parks staff, enforcement officers and the Dogs in Parks Advisory Committee will be monitoring the parks as the year goes on. Taking into consideration the physical health of our parks, community feedback and input from enforcement staff, the program will be monitored and reported on over the course of the year.
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14. Is this program temporary or permanent?
Paws in Parks is an ongoing program within the City of Victoria.
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15. Where can I get a dog licence?
A Pet's Life - 2019 Cadboro Bay Rd. (FORT @ FOUL BAY) 592-3301
Baywest Rona Home Centre - 220 Bay St. @ WILSON in Vic West 595-1225
Bosley's Pet Food - 491 Burnside Rd. E near FINLAYSON 385-6411
Burnside/Gorge Comm. Centre - 484 Cecelia Rd. near NAPIER 388-5251
Chez Terry's Pet Food - #12, 1516 Fairfield Rd. (FAIRFIELD PLAZA) 592-6911
City Hall - #1 Centennial Square (PUBLIC SERVICE CENTRE) 385-5711
Club Dog - 370 Gorge Rd. E. @ JUTLAND 480-0234
Crystal Pool - 2275 Quadra St. @ QUEENS 361-0732
Hillside Vet Hospital - 1700 Kings Rd. @ SHELBOURNE 598-4477
Hobby Beers & Wines - 1302 Finlayson @ HIGHVIEW 382-2739
Hollywood Pet Centre - 1701 Fairfield Rd. @ LILLIAN 598-7331
James Bay Community Centre - 140 Oswego St. @ NIAGARA 389-1470
Pound & Adoption Centre - 564 David St. near ROCK BAY 414-0233
Wall's Food Market - 1279 Bay St. @ FERNWOOD 595-5931
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16. How much does a dog licence cost?
In the current calendar year: January 01 - March 31
Male $35
Neutered Male $25
Female $35
Spayed Female $25
In the current calendar year: April 01 - December 31
Male $45
Neutered Male $35
Female $45
Spayed female $35
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17. What type of bags does the City Parks use for dog waste baggies?
The City of Victoria change to biodegradable dog waste bags in the summer of 2008.
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