Off-leash area rules

• Dogs must be on-leash in all public spaces in Calgary unless otherwise indicated by a posted sign that the area is an off-leash area. If a listed off-leash area and posted sign differs, the posted sign is considered correct.

• 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.

• In on-leash and off-leash areas, dog owners must pick up and properly dispose of their pet's feces. Dog owners are also required to carry a "suitable means" (e.g. plastic bag) for picking up their pet's feces.

• All parking lots are on-leash, including parking lots for designated off-leash areas.

• Dogs are not permitted within five meters of "No Dog Areas" whether a sign is posted or not. No dog areas include: play structures, school grounds, wading pool/swimming areas, sports fields, golf courses or cemeteries.

• All areas within natural environment 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, or off of the pathways in the Weaselhead Natural Environment Park, in order to protect sensitive wildlife habitat
   

• Taking your dog on Calgary's pathways

• 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.

• It is against the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw to ride a bike or in-line skate with your dog. This could be unsafe for your pet, yourself and other pathway users.

• 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 and your dog

• It is illegal for dogs to harass wildlife encountered in our parks and natural areas - this includes barking at and 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.

• Although coyotes mainly feed on small mammals such as mice, they have on a few occasions attacked and killed pets. If you want to ensure the safety of your dog, keep it on a leash at all times (even in a designated off-leash area). Coyotes are generally no threat to people but should be treated with respect and never approached or fed. For more information on coyotes, visit our Urban Coyotes​ page.

• Porcupines do not shoot quills; they actually need to touch their targets. Keep your dog away from porcupines as it can be an expensive and painful process for you and your pet to have the quills removed.​​
   

• Professional Dog Walker Permit

• As of September 30, 2022 under the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw, if a person wants to walk more than six dogs at a time off leash they will require a professional dog walker permit.

• This will ensure that people walking larger numbers of dogs off leash have the proper training and/or experience to do so safely, contributing to a positive off leash park dog experience for the whole community.

• To obtain a permit you will be required to provide at least one of the following:

• City of Calgary business license for a dog walking business

• Proof of 1+ years of self-employment as a dog walker

• Proof of employment of 1+ years as a dog walker

• Relevant training or certification (dog trainer, training in dog behavior, animal science, animal health, canine assessment or other relevant course work)

• Proof of employment can be provided via a letter from the employer or a self-declaration letter if self-employed.

• You will also need to provide answers to the following questions:

• What is your strategy for waste removal of pets in your care?

• Please describe your process surrounding arriving at and departing the off-leash park

• How do you identify new dogs as suitable for your services?

• Have you committed a bylaw offense under Part 3 of the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw 47M2021 or 23M2006?
  
  To learn more about Dog and Off leash Bylaws in the City of Calgary, and to apply for a Professional Dog Walking License please visit the City of Calgary website