emailPets in Parks
Dogs are welcome in most regional parks and trails.
From June 1 to September 15, dogs must be on leash when passing through beach and picnic areas and are not allowed to stay.
Please be aware that some regional parks have specific regulations regarding dogs. Read more 
Ayum
Creek Regional Park Reserve in Sooke is the only regional
park area where dogs are prohibited year-round. Ayum Creek is an important
salmon spawning area, and is undergoing restoration. Read more
Dogs must be on leash in the following parks and trails:
Dogs need to be under control and on the trail at all times in other regional parks and trails. "Under control" means that your dog returns to you immediately when called.
Clean Up After Your Dog
The CRD does not supply plastic bags in our parks. Please bring your own bags, clean up after your dog and dispose of your dog’s droppings in a garbage can.
Dog droppings left on or near the trail are a hazard for wildlife, other visitors and Parks staff.
Natural Hazards to Pets
Parks are natural areas that may present hazards to park visitors and their pets.
Two dogs have died after apparently ingesting mycotoxins at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. Mycotoxins can be present at any time of year and naturally occur in many types of fungi (mushrooms), as well as in moulds growing on decomposing matter (such as feces, grains and nuts). These toxins are not restricted to Elk/Beaver Lake.
A similar toxin can be found in blue-green algae that sometimes accumulate along shorelines. Water tests recently conducted at Elk/Beaver Lake and Thetis Lake regional parks for blue-green algae came back negative. The results show no indication of toxins in either lake at this time.
However, this common species of cyanobacteria, known as blue-green algae, is natural and recurring at various times in our lakes. It appears similar to blue-green paint floating on the surface of the water. Ingesting high concentrations of water containing the blue-green algae toxins may cause abdominal pain in humans and can be lethal to pets.
It is difficult to anticipate when or where potential natural hazards may occur in regional parks. The Capital Regional District recommends park visitors keep pets on a leash and prevent them from drinking the lake water to be on the safe side.
Please visit Health Canada for for more information on blue-green algae and mycotoxins.
Help Protect the Wildlife
Regional parks and trails are home to many species of wild plants and animals. Please do not let your dog run off the trail or chase wildlife.
Although your dog’s curiosity and playfulness may seem harmless, it can have serious consequences for wild creatures, which need to conserve their energy for feeding, breeding and nesting.
Chasing or harassing wildlife is prohibited under CRD Parks bylaws and the BC Wildlife Act.