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Guideline for Municipalities: how to operate Off-Leash Dog Parks

As municipalities look to establish and operate off-leash dog parks, they need to consider the range of risks these parks pose to their patrons. However, many of these risks can be addressed through the implementation of targeted measures that will help to prevent or mitigate injury while using the off-leash dog park.

Off-leash dog parks have become an integral part of recreational spaces across many communities. They have become increasingly popular, since they provide a safe space that promotes a healthy lifestyle where dogs can exercise freely while their owners are able to socialize with other patrons.

The following guidance highlights key areas of considerations for municipalities as they look to establish and operate off-leash dog parks throughout their communities. It should not be seen as an exhaustive list and should be used in conjunction with internal policies and procedures, as well as in compliance with local laws and regulations.

Fencing and Entry/Exit Points

Municipalities should establish perimeter fencing for the off-leash dog park to help ensure that dogs and patrons are able to enjoy a safe and enclosed space. Additionally, the off-leash dog park should have designated secured entry/exit gates. The municipality should consider the following design elements:

Perimeter fencing must provide a fully enclosed area — there cannot be a gap in the fencing.
Entry/exit point gates are both self-closing and self-latching.
Entry/exit points are the same height as the perimeter fencing.

Communication and Public Education

Municipal entities need to leverage various communication channels, such as media releases, website updates, and social media posts, to disseminate information regarding off-leash dog parks across their communities. This information can include the following:

Location of designated off-leash dog park(s)
Hours of access (for instance, sunrise to sunset)
Permissible and non-permissible activities
Responsibilities of dog owners, handlers, and patrons

Maintenance

Municipalities should establish an inspection and maintenance program for their off-leash dog parks. Specifically, this program should enable the municipality to implement the appropriate measures to identify, rectify, and document safety hazards at the off-leash dog park.

Inspection
- Establish an inspection policy, which should outline the required frequency and scope of inspections taken to identify safety hazards at the off-leash dog park that require remedial actions.
- Conduct regular inspections of the off-leash dog park:
  - Assess environmental hazards (for example, flooding).
  - Remove or fix any slip, trip, or fall hazards.
  - Remove any garbage, broken glass, and other debris.
  - Remove any protruding objects (for example, chain link fencing and fence screens).
Maintenance
- Establish a maintenance policy, which should outline the remedial actions, timelines, communication, and documentation associated with the repair and/or removal of any safety hazards.
- Conduct preventative and demand maintenance to help ensure that all identified safety hazards are rectified:
  - Inspect all areas prior to hours of access.
  - Dispatch safety hazards to be repaired or replaced.
  - Post signage advising patrons if an area is unavailable for use or under repair.
- Establish a centralized documentation repository to house the inspection reports and work orders.

Signage

Municipalities should have appropriate signage throughout the off-leash dog park to inform patrons of essential information as they use the park. Specifically, the municipality should consider the following information as part of their park signage:

Dog owners and handlers are subject to provincial animal liability acts and municipal by-laws
Patron etiquette and conduct
Hours of access
Environmental characteristics (for example, terrain type)
Safe use of the off-leash dog park:
- Unsupervised park — dog owners, handlers, and patrons assume all risks related to use of the park
- Mandatory supervision of children of ages 12 and under while in the off-leash dog park
- Mandatory waste cleanup for all dogs
- Dog owners and handlers to carry a leash for each dog brought into the park
- Dog owners and handlers to ensure that all dogs must be under control at all times and do not pose a threat to other dogs and patrons
- Dog owners and handlers to ensure dogs have dog tags indicating they are vaccinated and licensed
Restricted activity:
- No horseplay
- No food or glass containers in the park
- No choke, spike, or pinch dog collars allowed in the off-leash dog park
- No more than two dogs may be brought by owner or handler to the park at the same time
Contact information:
- Emergency services
- Maintenance services

Summary

Municipal entities must establish and operate their off-leash dog parks in a manner that helps keep all dogs and patrons safe. Through the development and implementation of a comprehensive risk management plan, measures can be put in place to help prevent injury and harm while providing members of the community with an enjoyable and safe experience.

If you have questions, please contact your Marsh representative.

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