In the City of Ottawa, dogs must be on-leash and under control at all times, unless they are on private property or in a designated off-leash area.
Parks can provide a pleasant and safe environment in which to exercise dogs. Safety for other park users is also a consideration however. The Animal Care and Control By-law provides for a variety of park usages or “designations” for dogs (below) and there is a Dogs-in-Parks Designation Policy (DIPDP) that applies.
- Dogs Allowed: Dogs may be off leash
- Dogs on Leash: Dogs are allowed but must be on leash at all times
- No Dogs: Dogs are not permitted
Some parks may be subject to a mixed designation meaning that one part of the park may designate differently than another. Other parks may have time restrictions during which dogs are prohibited, due to the proximity of community centres or other such facilities.
There are, however, standard rules that apply to all parks regardless of geographic location within the City of Ottawa. Dogs must always be under the control of their handler, even if a leash is not required. Signs are posted to inform the public of whether dogs are prohibited or if they must be leashed. In addition, dogs are prohibited from being within five (5) meters of all children’s play areas and pools.
In addition, the Animal Care and Control By-law requires dog owners to clean up their pet’s waste.
You may visit Ottawa.ca to find your closest off-leash park.
