Dogs In Parks
Here are a few things all dog owners and "walkers" need to remember when planning a dog walk in a local park:
- Dogs must be on-leash at all times unless in a designated dogs off-leash area.
- All dogs must be visibly licenced (see below for more information).
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Stoop and scoop: clean up after your dog.
Non-Permitted Dog Areas
There are three places in Richmond where dogs are not permitted:
- Richmond Nature Park
- Richmond Nature Study Centre (aka the Richmond Nature Park East)
- Terra Nova Rural Park
These parks were established to preserve plant and endangered animal communities that are unique to Richmond. Help preserve these fragile areas by walking dogs at other dog-friendly parks or trails, or consider a dog off-leash area.
Dog Off-Leash Areas
The designation of dogs off-leash areas is an initiative by the City of Richmond, in consultation with the community, to provide areas where responsible owners may exercise their dogs on or off-leash.
Responsible Owners
- Dogs must be kept under control by their owners at all times.
- Stoop and scoop: clean up after your dog.
- Dog owners must carry a leash at all times.
- All dogs must be currently and visibly licensed.
- Dog owners must maintain effective verbal control of their dogs and always be able to see their dog when off-leash.
- Any dog exhibiting aggressive behaviour must be leashed immediately.
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All dogs must remain on-leash outside of designated off-leash areas (Public Parks and School Grounds Regulation Bylaw No. 8771). Violators may be subject to ticketing and/or fines.
Dog licences can be purchased online or in person at Richmond City Hall. Call Animal Protection Services at 604-247-4633 or email doglicence@richmond.ca for more information.
Call the BC SPCA at 604-709-4668 to report animal cruelty.
Designated Dogs Off-Leash Locations
To view a detailed, dynamic map of all the current dog off-leash areas located within Richmond parks, please click on the link below and launch the map in a new window.
Dog Waste Collection Pilot Program
The City of Richmond is currently operating a dog waste collection pilot program at three off-leach dog areas.
Clearly marked red bins for dog waste have been placed at the entrance of:
For additional information visit the Dog Waste Collection Pilot Program
Expand for a list of off-leash locations within Richmond parks
The following parks have designated dog off-leash areas within existing park and trail boundaries. Dogs are permitted off-leash only in these specific, designated areas and must remain on-leash throughout the rest of the park.
For locations of dog off-leash areas within the parks listed below, please see the Dogs Off-Leash Dynamic Map.
- Aberdeen Neighbourhood Park - at Hazelbridge Way and Sweet Ave
- Alexandra Neighbourhood Park - along May Drive at Odlin Road
- Corner of Elmbridge Way and Alderbridge Road (temporary)
- Hamilton Highway Park - along Thompson Road (habitat compensation work in progress, access may be limited)
- Garden City Park - along Granville Avenue, near parking area
- Ketcheson Neighbourhood Park - off Capstan Way at Ketcheson Road
- London/Steveston Neighbourhood Park - off No. 2 Road and Goldsmith Drive NEW!
- McCallan Park
- McDonald Beach Park
- McLean Park - temporary pilot project
- No. 3 Road Bark Park - south foot of No. 3 Road along South Dyke Trail
- Shell Road and Horseshoe Slough Trails
- South Arm Community Park - west of the South Arm Outdoor Pool
- Steveston Community Park - north side of the park, off Fentiman Place
- Tait Waterfront - northwest of River Drive at No. 4 Road, west of Tait Waterfront Park, along the gravel trail adjacent to the Fraser River
- Woodwards Slough
Dogs Off-Leash Map and Brochure
View the brochure below for a complete and updated map showing designated off-leash zones within Richmond parks. Reminder: All dogs must remain on-leash outside of designated off-leash areas (Public Parks and School Grounds Regulation Bylaw No. 8771). Violators may be subject to ticketing and/or fines.
Consider printing a copy for quick reference. 2024 Dogs Off-Leash Brochure