Osoyoos dog leash rules and off-leash areas

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

Osoyoos, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-06

Short answer

In Osoyoos, a dog may not be at large anywhere in the Town except a posted off-leash area. Dogs must be leashed and under control in parks. Off-leash spots include the West Bench Dog Park. A bylaw notice for no leash is $75.

Key facts

Leash rule	A dog must not be at large anywhere in the Town except in a posted off-leash area. In parks, dogs are allowed only on pathways, promenades and grassy areas, on a leash and under control. Dogs are not allowed on school grounds or in swimming areas except a designated dog swim area.Animal Care and Control Bylaw No. 1393, 2026, s. 27, 30; Animal Care and Control Bylaw No. 1393, 2026, s. 2 (definition) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording must not cause, permit, or allow that dog to be at large within the Town, except in areas and at times specifically designated by a posted notice to be a dog Dogs or animals are permitted only on the pathways, promenades and grassy area in all Parks on a leash and under control subject to the following exemptions: means both not restrained by a leash and under control where the dog is located on
Maximum leash length	The bylaw sets no maximum length for an ordinary dog's leash. For aggressive and vicious dogs in public places the leash may be no longer than 1.2 metres and must not be a retractable style.Animal Care and Control Bylaw No. 1393, 2026, s. 49(c), 52(c) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording maximum length of 1.2 metres from owner to dog, suitable to the size and strength of the dog, and which must not include a retractable style leash;
Off-leash areas	Dogs may be off leash only in areas posted by a Town sign. Schedule C of the bylaw lists the West Bench Dog Park and a seasonal dog section in the Boat Trailer Parking Lot (6901 Main Street), plus designated dog swimming areas. The owner must carry a leash, keep the dog under control and keep it in sight.Animal Care and Control Bylaw No. 1393, 2026, s. 28; Schedule C · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording a) carries a leash; c) always maintains a clear line of sight to the dog. Dog Park Section – West Bench Dog Park Seasonal Dog Section – Boat Trailer Parking Lot (6901 Main Street) Note 3 Dog swimming areas
Places dogs are not allowed	Cottonwood Beach at any time; school grounds; and any swimming area other than a designated dog swim area. Aggressive and vicious dogs are also barred from off-leash areas.Animal Care and Control Bylaw No. 1393, 2026, s. 30, 49(d), 52(d); Schedule C; Animal Care and Control Bylaw No. 1393, 2026, Schedule C · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording No dog or animal is permitted on Cottonwood Beach at any time. An Owner must not permit or allow a dog on school grounds or in any swimming Dogs are NOT permitted on Cottonwood Beach at any time.
Cleaning up	The owner of an animal that defecates in a public place, or on private property without the owner's consent, must immediately remove the excrement and put it in a suitable refuse container.Animal Care and Control Bylaw No. 1393, 2026, s. 33 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording defecates in a public place or on any private property without the consent must immediately remove the excrement and
Fine, dog at large or off leash	Bylaw notice: dog not leashed $75 ($60 if paid within 14 days); unlicensed dog at large $100 first offence, rising with repeats; licensed dog first offence $0. Municipal ticket: not leashed $75; at large $100. Schedules still cite repealed Bylaw 1316; no amendment for 1393 found.Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1392, 2025, Schedule A, Animal Control; Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1279, 2011, Schedule 6 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording 17(1)(a) Dog not leashed $75 $60 $85 Yes Unlicensed Dog at large – 1st offence $100 $80 $110 Yes Increase $50 each subsequent Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw No. 1316, 2016 Dog not leashed Dog not leashed 17 (1) a) $75 $60 Unlicensed Dog at large – 1st offence $100 $80
Bylaw	Animal Care and Control Bylaw No. 1393, 2026Animal Care and Control Bylaw No. 1393, 2026, s. 1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording Animal Care and Control Bylaw No.1393, 2026.

How it works

Under the Town of Osoyoos's Animal Care and Control Bylaw No. 1393, a dog must not be at large anywhere in the Town except in a posted off-leash area. "At large" on public property means both not on a leash and not under control. Under control means the dog comes back when called, is held by hand, voice command or electronic device, and is not acting aggressively.

In parks, dogs are allowed only on pathways, promenades and grassy areas, on a leash and under control. The bylaw sets no maximum leash length for an ordinary dog.

Off-leash areas

Dogs may be off leash only where a Town sign says so. The bylaw's Schedule C lists the West Bench Dog Park and a seasonal dog section in the Boat Trailer Parking Lot (6901 Main Street), plus designated dog swimming areas.
Carry a leash, keep the dog under control and keep it in sight.
Aggressive and vicious dogs may not enter off-leash areas.

Where dogs are not allowed

Cottonwood Beach, at any time.
School grounds.
Any swimming area except a designated dog swim area.

Good to know

Pick up after your dog immediately and put it in a suitable refuse container.
Fines: a bylaw notice for a dog not on a leash is $75 ($60 if paid within 14 days). An unlicensed dog at large is $100 for a first offence, rising for repeats; a licensed dog's first offence is $0. A municipal ticket is $75 for not leashed and $100 for at large. Both schedules still cite the repealed Bylaw 1316; confirm the amount with the Town.
Report problems to Bylaw Enforcement at bylaw@osoyoos.ca or 250-495-6515.