Unleash the hounds: Take your pooch to a leash-free zone

Calling all dog owners! Are you looking for a place where your furry friend can run, play and socialize with other dogs? Then you should check out Mississauga’s leash-free zones where your dog can run, play and enjoy.

Leash-free zones are specially-designed areas that are safe, secure and fenced off. Dogs can run, play and interact with other dogs under the supervision of their owners without worrying about being constrained on a leash. These zones are perfect for allowing your dog to run freely, play fetch and meet new dogs.

A leash-free zone is an excellent place for your dog to get their daily dose of activity, giving them the freedom to exercise, which is important for their physical and mental health. They also allow your dog to explore, sniff and dig, which is also mentally stimulating for them.

Bringing your dog to a leash-free zone allows them to socialize with other dogs of different breeds and sizes. They are also a great opportunity for you to get to know other dog owners in the community who have common interests.

Leash-free zones in Mississauga

Mississauga has 12 leash-free zones scattered throughout the city, each with its own unique features and amenities. Find a leash-free zone close to you.

• Etobicoke Valley
• Community Common (a.k.a. Urban Leash-Free Zone)
• Garnetwood Park
• Iceland Arena & Sports Park (a.k.a. Parkway Belt)
• Jack Darling Memorial Park
• Lakeside Park
• Mattamy Sports Park (new)
• Paul Coffey Park (new)
• Quenippenon Meadows
• River Grove (new)
• Totoredaca Park
• Union Park (recently expanded and relocated within the park)

While visiting a leash-free zone is a great way for dogs to socialize and get exercise, it’s important for owners to follow the rules and regulations set out by the City. This includes keeping dogs under control and cleaning up after them. The City has a Leash-Free Zone Policy that outlines the procedures for the establishment of leash-free zones in City parks, including the location and design criteria, operation and enforcement.

Outside of leash-free zones

When walking your dog outside of a leash-free zone, remember to follow all rules in the Animal Care and Control By-law:

• Dogs must be on a leash when off private property.
• Dogs should be on a leash no more than six feet long.
• Dogs must have an up-to-date dog license and the provided licence tag should be affixed to its collar.
• Owners must place dog waste in the garbage or in dog waste collection stations.
• If you are a dog walker, walking more than five dogs, you must obtain a permit.
• Owners must maintain control their of dogs at all times — other dogs and/or people may not appreciate your dog approaching or jumping on them.

Dogs are not permitted in the following areas:

• Cemeteries
• Floral gardens
• Garden plots
• Sports fields
• Spray pads
• Tennis courts
• The sand base surrounding or beneath playground equipment

Disposing dog waste

Remember to place dog waste in the garbage side of the waste containers or designated dog waste collection stations or take it home and throw it out with your garbage. All leash-free parks have Sutera dog waste collection stations for dog owners and dog walkers to use.

Residents are reminded not to leave dog waste lying around, left in waste bags on the ground or placed in recycling containers. If recycled items are contaminated with dog waste, the whole bin with valuable recyclable materials will be sent to the landfill for disposal. If a waste container is full, place waste in a nearby container that has space or take your garbage with you to throw out at home. Call 311 to report overflowing bins.

Following the rules

The City’s Animal Services team manages the enforcement of all leash-free zones. Dog owners or walkers who do not have proper control of their dog or who do not follow the off-leash rules can be fined.

You can also be fined for not picking up after your dog. If caught, the fine is $115 under the Animal Care & Control By-law. Under the Parks By-law, the fine for failing to stoop and scoop is higher and has a total payable amount of $180.

Maintaining leash-free zones

In 1997, Council formalized leash-free zones in City parks with the understanding that the zones would be maintained and managed by volunteers. All costs are covered by volunteer fundraising efforts and annual membership fees.

The City works with Leash-Free Mississauga to provide education to leash-free zone users to help ensure that children, parents and dog owners use the areas in a safe manner. In 1998, Leash-Free Mississauga became an affiliated volunteer group with the City working closely with the community to provide safe and friendly spaces for dogs and their owners. Leash-Free Mississauga is a non-profit organization established in 1997, and funds and operates the 12 Leash-Free Zones in Mississauga under the governance of a Board of Directors.

To learn more about Leash-Free Zones in Mississauga, visit Leash-Free Mississauga. Find a leash-free zone in Mississauga.

Watch the Instagram reel about leash-free zones.

Tags

• Parks and Forestry
• Wildlife and Pets