PETiquette

Calling All Good Pups (and their humans)

A big part of what makes Colwood such a great place to live is our natural environment that supports the wide range of animals, birds and ocean life that thrive here. The City of Colwood recognizes dogs are an important part of many families, and appreciate the efforts of all responsible dog owners in our community.

What is PETiquette?

PETiquette means being a responsible pet owner that respects other people and pets in shared public spaces to keep our parks, beaches and trails safe, clean and welcoming for everyone.

Where Dogs MUST be On-Leash

Dogs are required to be on leash in:

Esquimalt Lagoon Bird Sanctuary (It's one of 92 National Migratory Bird Sanctuaries in Canada! Learn more at Canada.ca) See map [PDF/2.1MB] of on-leash/off-leash areas.
Latoria Creek Park (Based on community input into the Latoria Creek Park Management Plan [PDF/24.5MB])
Havenwood Park (Based on community input into the Havenwood Park Management Plan [PDF/23MB])
Playground or picnic areas (within 10 meters)
Royal Roads University lands (privately owned and regulated by the University)
Galloping Goose Regional Trail

The Basics of PETiquette

Leash where required

Leashes keep your dog safe and protect wildlife and other park users. See mandatory on-leash areas in Colwood.

Pick up after your pet

Picking up pet waste is required in all parks and public spaces. Dog waste bacteria can have adverse health impacts on people, other dogs, and our environment. Respect our parks, trails and sidewalks so everyone can enjoy!

Respect wildlife

Even friendly dogs can disturb nesting birds and fragile ecosystems. Leash your dog at Esquimalt Lagoon Bird Sanctuary and near creeks and streams. Tiny lives depend on it!

Be courteous & give space

Your pup may be friendly, but not everyone is comfortable around dogs. Dogs must be under control and recall at all times and are not to run at large or be unattended in any public place. Always ask before approaching others with your pup.

Dog Restrictions

Except for working and service dogs, dogs are prohibited at all times from:

City Sports Facilities including West Shore Parks and Recreation (Juan de Fuca Recreation)
Hatley Memorial Burial Park
Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site

Additional Information & Resources

The City contracts CRD Animal Services for enforcement of the Animal Regulation Bylaw. The CRD Animal Control Officer for Colwood can be reached by calling (250) 478-0624 or after hours at 1-800-665-7899 extension 0.

Dogs can pose a public safety risk and must be on the property of their owner unless they are under effective control. In playgrounds and picnic areas dogs must be leashed.

Other issues addressed through the Animal Regulation Bylaw include excessive barking, insufficient animal care, kennels, and licensing. The CRD Pets in Parks page has handy resources to help with some of these issues.

Why are there mandatory on-leash areas?

Based on community input into the Parks & Recreation Master Plan, dogs must now be kept on leash when enjoying Latoria Creek Park and Havenwood Park.

The majority of participants felt these parks should be on-leash to increase safety and comfort for all users who share the main trails and to protect environmentally sensitive riparian areas and steep slopes. This came into effect in 2025.

Why are leashes required at the Esquimalt Lagoon?

The Esquimalt Lagoon Migratory Bird Sanctuary is one of only seven federally protected migratory bird sanctuaries in British Columbia and provides critical habitat for thousands of birds throughout the year. Many species use the Lagoon to rest, feed and nest during migration along the Pacific Flyway. Even well-behaved dogs can unintentionally disturb wildlife, causing birds to abandon feeding or nesting areas and expend valuable energy. Keeping dogs on leash helps protect this sensitive ecosystem and ensures the Lagoon remains a safe haven for wildlife.

Who enforces on-leash rules?

The City contracts CRD Animal Services for enforcement of the Animal Regulation Bylaw including on-leash regulations and provisions for aggressive and dangerous dogs. The CRD Animal Control Officer for Colwood can be reached by calling (250) 478-0624 or after hours at 1-800-665-7899 extension 0.

Where are some dog-friendly park spaces in Colwood?

Colwood offers several great places to enjoy the outdoors with your dog:

Colwood Creek Park – Features a large open green space adjacent to the playground, on the Cecil Blogg Drive side, with designated off-leash areas where dogs can run and socialize. See map [PDF/6.4MB] of on-leash and off-leash areas of Colwood Creek Park.
Lagoon Beach on the southwest side of the bathrooms – Southwest of the public bathrooms, located at the end of Lagoon Road, is a leash-optional area for dogs. Dogs must remain on leash within the Esquimalt Lagoon Migratory Bird Sanctuary area to protect wildlife and sensitive habitat. Please see map [PDF/2.1MB] of mandatory on-leash areas of the Esquimalt Lagoon.

Be sure to check posted signage for current leash requirements and designated off-leash areas.

Are there bag dispensers at Colwood parks?

Yes! Dog waste bag dispensers are available at many parks and trail entrances throughout Colwood. If you've forgotten your own bags, please use one provided and dispose of pet waste in the nearest garbage receptacle. Picking up after your pet helps keep our parks, trails and natural areas clean, safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Is there signage to encourage PETiquette?

Yes! The City is putting up signage in parks and park entrances as well as the Esquimalt Lagoon Bird Sanctuary and beach. Signage aims to remind pet owners to follow PETiquette:

Leash up where required (including the Esquimalt Lagoon)
Pick up after your pet
Give Space. Be Courteous. Respect others.
Respect wildlife