Dogs in Parks

Dogs are welcome ON LEASH in Parksville’s parks. We hope you will enjoy our parks and green spaces responsibly – please be courteous, keep your dog leashed and under control, pick up after them and muzzle them if necessary. During March and April, which is Brant geese season, dogs are not allowed on the beach even when on leash. This is due to the fact that Brant geese feed and rest at the tide-line and thus are especially vulnerable to disturbance by dogs. There is an off-leash dog park in Parksville located on Despard Avenue near Springwood Park. This is a great spot to let dogs run or play fetch and it's also an excellent spot for socialization...for both dogs and owners! The park contains running water for thirsty dogs, dispensers containing biodegradable doggie waste bags, trash bins for disposal of dog waste and a covered shelter with picnic table for owners. While in the off-leash park, dogs must be off leash for their own safety.

We ask that dog owners follow this standard etiquette for dog off-leash parks:

• Dogs must be properly licensed and vaccinated in order to use an off-leash area.
• Dogs must be on leash prior to entering and upon leaving the off-leash area.
• Owners are required by law to pick up their dog's feces and dispose of them in the designated trash cans located in the area.
• Owners must be in attendance with their dog at all times.
• Owners must have a visible leash at all times.
• Pets must be under the control of the owner, and the dog must be in sight of the owner at all times.
• Owners must respect other visitors by keeping their dog from running up to and jumping on other people and their dogs.
• Dogs which are deemed dangerous or aggressive must be muzzled at all times and under the close supervision of their owner.
• Owners are personally liable for any damages or injury inflicted by their dog.
• Female dogs in heat are not allowed into the dog off leash area.
• No puppies under four months old are permitted in the off-leash area.
• It is suggested, that for their safety, small children are not brought into the off-leash area enclosure where dogs playing may knock them.