Calgary is fortunate to have 138 public off-leash areas in multi-use parks created for citizens and their dogs to enjoy. Other major Canadian cities have 40 or fewer off-leash areas each. Even so, The City of Calgary is working to improve off-leash recreational opportunities.
Off-Leash Area Locator
Use the Facilities & Services Locator and explore the interactive map to find an off-leash area anywhere in the city. To use the map:
- Check the Off Leash Dog Areas box (brown dog paw) in the Facilities & Services list.
- Search for an off-leash area by address, street name or community from the 'Locate Facility by' drop down list.
- Click to Go> button and you're on your way!
Management Review of Off-leash Areas
Using public input that was gathered in 2009, The City of Calgary Parks is developing a citywide off-leash area management plan.
The plan will include policies and procedures for establishing and managing the operation of The City's off-leash areas. Additionally, The City of Calgary Parks is working to identify 15 potential new off-leash sites in underserved areas.
Once a proposed new off-leash area is identified, The City of Calgary will engage key stakeholders regarding the potential site.
An update on the Off-leash Dog Area Implementation Plan (CPS2010-13) will be presented to Council's Standing Policy Committee on Community and Protective Services no later than January 2011. Please re-visit this site every few months for updates.
Notice of Motion on Fenced Off-leash Areas
On July 5, 2010 Alderman Hawkesworth's Notice of Motion (NM2010-23) went forward to Council. Council minutes will be posted here. Watch this section for future updates on this motion.
All parks and greenspaces are considered on-leash unless otherwise posted.
All dogs must be on-leash within five meters of a play structure, wading pool/swimming area, sports field, golf course, or a cemetery.
The Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw 23M2006 
(454 KB) states that dogs must be under their owner's control at all times. In off-leash areas, this means dogs must be able to respond to their owner's voice, sound or visual commands. This will help protect your dog from unforeseen hazards such as cars, unfriendly dogs or coyotes. The owner of a dog who is not under control in an off-leash area faces a fine of $100.
All areas within Natural Parks, including asphalt pathways, are on-leash unless designated as an off-leash area with a sign. No dogs are allowed in Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Inglewood Wildlands.
If the listed off-leash area and posted sign differs, the posted sign shall be considered correct.
Pet & Pathway Etiquette
- Dogs on pathways must be on a leash no greater than two meters in length.
- Please stay to the right of the pathway at all times. Please do not ride a bike, or in-line skate with your dog.
- Dogs may not interfere with, or obstruct, other pathway users.
- Dogs considered to be extremely aggressive must be muzzled, and harnessed or leashed. The leash should be no greater than one meter in length, and the dog handler should be over 18 years of age.
Wildlife & Your Dog
Your dog may encounter wildlife in an off-leash area. It is illegal for dogs to harass wildlife - this includes barking at, or biting, other animals. Be cautious if a wild animal is sighted and leash your dog immediately. Exit the park if you feel a threat to yourself or your dog.
To report the sighting of a wild animal or a problem with wildlife within the Calgary city limits, please contact Alberta Fish & Wildlife at 403-297-6423.
Coyotes
Animal Services recommends carrying a whistle in areas habitated by coyotes. The high shrill of the whistle is uncomfortable for coyotes and they will move away from the noise. Coyotes are attracted to dog and bird food. It is recommended that you do not leave this food outside your house. Contact the coyote hotline at 403-297-7789 for more information.
Porcupines
Porcupines do not shoot quills; they actually need to touch their targets. Keep your dog away as it can be a long and painful process for your pet to have the quills removed.
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