Here are Seattle Parks’ Rules for Off Leash Area use.
Dog Owners
- You are liable for damage or injury inflicted by your dog(s) (SMC 18.12.080).
- You must be in control of your dog(s) at all times (SMC 18.12.080).
- You must muzzle dogs that exhibit dangerous or aggressive behavior; biting, fighting, and excessive barking are not allowed (SMC 9.25.024).
- You must leash your dog when it is outside the off-leash area; you must carry a leash for each dog while you are inside the off-leash area (SMC 9.25.084 and 12.18.080).
- You must clean up after your dog(s) and deposit feces in the containers at the site, and you must visibly carry scoop equipment (SMC 9.25.082 and 18.12.080).
- You must closely supervise young children.
- Bring food into off-leash areas at your own risk.
- Leave bicycles outside off-leash area.
- Unattended dogs are not allowed in off-leash areas.
- Owners who see unattended dogs or other rule violations should call Animal Control at 206-386-7387, Extension 2.
Dogs
- If you’re female and you’re in heat, you are not allowed in off-leash areas (SMC 9.25.084).
- If you’re a puppy younger than four months of age, you are not allowed in off-leash areas.
- To come and play in off-leash areas, you need to be licensed and vaccinated (SMC 9.25.080 and 12.18.080).
- If you wear a pinch or choke collar, ask your human to remove it when you come into off-leash areas.
DOG-OWNING RESPONSIBILITIES
The loving care you give to your dog will be returned many times over. A healthy, well cared for dog will also live a long and happy life. COLA recommends the following guidelines for good dog ownership.
-
- Choose the best breed for you, your family and your lifestyle.
- Visit local shelters to select a loving pet for your household.
- Vaccinate your dog against rabies, distemper and other diseases.
- Spay or neuter your dog.
- Don’t leave your pet in a car on a warm day. A car heats like an oven and can be deadly to your pet.
- Provide adequate shelter if you leave your dog outside for extended periods of time.
- Learn basic animal first aid.
- Take your pet for periodic checkups at the veterinarian.
- Exercise your dog (especially at off-leash areas).
- Teach your dog simple obedience skills and basic dog etiquette.
- Observe local leash laws.
- Clean up after your dog.
- Prevent your dog from barking that disturbs others.
- License your dog.
- Provide a tag for your pet which has his name, address and phone number.
- Have a microchip implanted in your pet, and have it registered. If he’s lost, it will help to ensure his safe return.
- Closely supervise your dog when he is around children or in a public place.
- Good nutrition and fresh water every day are important to keep your pet healthy.