Merritt dog leash rules and off-leash areas

Where can dogs be off leash in Merritt, and what are the leash rules?

Merritt, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-05

How it works

Under the City of Merritt's Animal Control Bylaw 2241, an owner must not let a dog be "at large". Off the owner's property, a dog is at large unless it is securely leashed by a competent person, securely contained in a vehicle, building or enclosure, or in an off-leash area and following the off-leash rules. The bylaw sets no maximum leash length for ordinary dogs.

Steps

1. Keep your dog securely leashed in public places, held by a competent person.
2. To let it run, use a signed off-leash area. The City's parks page lists the Off-leash Dog Park at Voght Park, 1500 Canford Avenue.
3. In an off-leash area, carry a leash, keep the dog in view, follow the posted rules, and make sure the dog wears a collar or harness with a valid licence tag.
4. Pick up and dispose of your dog's excrement in a sanitary manner right away, on any public place or other private property.

Good to know

• No animal, leashed or not, is allowed in a City playground or sports field, except an assistance dog or an event with written City permission.
• Off-leash areas are City-owned property designated by signs. No separate off-leash map was found, so other signed areas may exist.
• Dangerous dogs are never allowed in off-leash areas. Aggressive dogs must be muzzled there. A female dog in heat must be kept out.
• Bylaw notices: a dog at large is $100 ($50 if paid within 14 days, $125 after 28 days); the same for a dog in a playground or sports field. Not picking up excrement is $50 ($25 within 14 days, $75 after 28 days).