FAQs

What is an off-leash area?
Are new off-leash areas going to be built as part of this project?
Where are the off-leash areas going to be built?
Who has access to off-leash areas?
Are you going to be improving existing off-leash areas?
What opportunities will the public have to provide input into the Strategy’s development?
How many off-leash areas are in Surrey?
When will the strategy be complete?
Do I need to have my dog(s) on leash in a park when outside an off-leash area?
Does my dog(s) need to be licensed to use the off-leash area?

    What is an off-leash area?

    • A defined area either fully or partially enclosed that allows dogs to be off-leash. While off-leash, dogs must remain under full control by their owners at all times.
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    Are new off-leash areas going to be built as part of this project?

    • As a part of this strategy, the City will put forward recommendations through a 10-year plan that will assess the need for off-leash areas across the city and where they could be located.
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    Where are the off-leash areas going to be built?

    • Through this strategy the City will determine priority areas and site selection criteria to help identify potential parks for new off-leash areas.
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    Who has access to off-leash areas?

    • Anyone. Whether you own a dog or not, you are welcome to enjoy this public space.
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    Are you going to be improving existing off-leash areas?

    • As a part of this strategy, staff will be seeking input on existing off-leash areas to learn what the community like and areas of improvement. This strategy will aim to balance the development of new off-leash areas and improvements to existing ones.
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    What opportunities will the public have to provide input into the Strategy’s development?

    • Input from the public will be integral part of the development of this strategy. First first round of input will be gathered from residents and interest groups in June 2024. A second round of engagement will happen in fall of 2024. This input will be used to help draft the strategy.
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    How many off-leash areas are in Surrey?

    • The City currently operates 19 off-leash areas.
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    When will the strategy be complete?

    • We are aiming to complete the strategy by Spring 2025.
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    Do I need to have my dog(s) on leash in a park when outside an off-leash area?

    • Yes. If outside an off-leash area, no person owning or having custody, care or control of a dog shall allow the dog to be within a park unless the dog is kept on a leash of a maximum length of three (3) metres.
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    Does my dog(s) need to be licensed to use the off-leash area?

    • Whether you are using and off-leash area or not, any dog (over the age of 3 months) must have a current licence as defined in our Surrey Animal Responsibility Bylaw. Their licence should be attached to their collar.
    • Licences primarily ensure dog identification and proof of ownership. They can also be used to provide valuable statistics that help inform public programming and the development of off-leash areas throughout the city.
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