Leash-Free Areas

Residents can use biodegradable bags provided by the City when picking up pet waste in our leash free areas and some of our other public parks, and, is available at 14 locations throughout Pickering.

Contact our Customer Care Centre for more information.

Your cooperation is required

• Up to date licensing of your dog is a requirement to use the leash free area. All dogs should also be wearing their licence tag.
• A maximum of 3 dogs per owner/handler are permitted in the park both in leashed and leash free areas.
• An owner/handler, aged 16 or older, must be present and supervising their dog(s) at all times and must be solely responsible for the actions of their dog(s).
• Owners and dogs must comply with the Responsible Pet Ownership By-law whether on or off leash.
• Attach your dog's leash before letting your dog out of the car. It is also far better to have your dog settled and under control before removing your dog from the vehicle.
• Take your time getting your dog into the dog park. Moving vehicles and excited dogs do not mix!
• A dog waste diversion station has been provided adjacent to the parking area. This is one of the most important things you can use to ensure the ongoing success of this park.
•  Please do not bring small children inside the leash free area. Dogs that are running fast in a chasing game can accidentally run into your child. Some dogs may also have strong prey drives or may not be socialized to small children.
• At the first sign of aggression, please remove your dog from the leash free area.  It is inappropriate for your dog to body-slam, mouth/nip and jump or mount people or dogs while in the park. These behaviours can initiate a potentially harmful situation and owners should remove any dog(s) displaying these behaviours.
• Limit the use of toys and treats to help avoid dog to dog conflict.
• Remove dogs that play too rough.  Please leash and remove your dog it its play is making other dogs or dog owners uncomfortable.

Not all dogs are good candidates to take into a leash free area.  A good "dog-park" dog is:

• well socialized to people and dogs
• dependable with basic manners such as come, sit, down, leave-it and stay
• healthy
• spayed or neutered

Please do not bring the following dogs into the leash free area:

• puppies under the age of 4 months
• females in heat or unneutered males
• injured, stressed or older dogs with hip dysplasia or arthritis
• dogs with illnesses, communicable diseases, diarrhea, cough or parasites
• dogs with serious behaviour problems in relation to other dogs or people
• dogs who wear a prong, choke, and electronic collars

A volunteer working group meets quarterly each year to address any issues relating to the concerns with the leash free areas. The group also makes recommendations for improvements to the facilities and is responsible for the general upkeep, observing the behaviour of dogs and owners using the area, informing pet owners of the rules that govern the use of the leash free area and advising Animal Services if enforcement of violations is required.

Now that the City has 3 leash free areas, staff will be actively looking for volunteer working members to represent each location. The three parks include Grand Valley, Balsdon and Dunmoore.

For more information or to join, please email animal services.