Dogs In Parks

The City is implementing the Restoring Richmond Plan, a carefully planned step-by-step approach to reopening services, amenities and facilities impacted by COVID-19. See Affected City Services & Facilities for current service and amenity information.
Dogs in Richmond Parks
Taking your dog for a walk? Next time you plan a walk with your dog there are a few things all dog owners and "walkers" need to remember:
- Dogs must be on-leash at all times unless in a designated dogs off-leash area
- All dogs must be visibly licenced (see below for more information)
- Stoop and scoop: clean up after your dog.
Did you know...
There are three places in Richmond where dogs are not permitted: Richmond Nature Park, Richmond Nature Study Centre (aka the Richmond Nature Park East) and Terra Nova Rural Park.
These parks were established to preserve plant and endangered animal communities that are unique to Richmond. Please help us preserve these fragile areas by walking your dog at other dog-friendly parks or trail, or consider a dog off-leash area.
Dogs Off-Leash Areas
The designation of dogs off-leash areas is an initiative by the City of Richmond and the Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS), in consultation with the community, to provide areas where responsible owners may exercise their dogs on or off-leash.
Responsible Owners
- Dogs must be kept under control by their owners at all times.
- Stoop and scoop: clean up after your dog.
- Dog owners must carry a leash at all times.
- All dogs must be currently and visibly licensed.
- Dog owners must maintain effective verbal control of their dogs and always be able to see their dog when off the leash.
- Any dog exhibiting aggressive behaviour must be leashed immediately.
Dog licences can be purchased online or in person at Richmond City Hall. For more information, call our Community Bylaws staff at 604-276-4345 or email bylawrequest@richmond.ca .
To report animal cruelty, contact the BC SPCA at 604-879-7343.
Designated Dogs Off-Leash Locations
The following locations are available for Off-Leash activities:
- McDonald Beach Park
- Steveston Community Park - beside the fenced baseball diamond
- No. 3 Road Waterfront Park - South foot of No. 3 Road along South Dyke Trail
- Woodwards Slough
- Shell Road and Horseshoe Slough Trails
- East Richmond/Hamilton Area - along Thompson Road
- Aberdeen Neighbourhood Park - at Hazelbridge Way and Sweet Ave NEW!
- Ketcheson Neighbourhood Park - off Capstan Way at Ketcheson Road NEW!
- McCallan Park
- Corner of Elmbridge Way and Alderbridge Road (temporary)
- South Arm Community Park
- Garden City Park - along Granville Avenue, near parking area
- Tait Waterfront - northwest of River Drive at No. 4 Road, west of Tait Waterfront Park, along the gravel trail adjacent to the Fraser River NEW!
Dogs Off-Leash Map and Brochure
For a complete and updated map showing designated off-leash locations, view the PDF below and print a copy to keep in your car for quick reference.