{"title":"West Kelowna dog leash rules and off-leash areas","question":"Where can dogs be off leash, and what are the leash rules?","slug":"dog-leash-rules","place":{"path":"ca/bc/west-kelowna","name":"West Kelowna","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"pets-and-wildlife","name":"Pets, animals and wildlife"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of West Kelowna","url":"https://www.westkelownacity.ca"},"short_answer":"In West Kelowna, a dog must be on a secure leash held by its owner, 2 metres or less, on any street or public place, unless it is in a designated off-leash park or area. The City sets park rules; the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) runs dog control.","aliases":["off leash dog park west kelowna","dogs on leash west kelowna","dogs on beach west kelowna","dog park map central okanagan"],"cost":"Dog at large or not leashed (RDCO): $150 first offence, $200 second, $300 third and later. Dog at large in a City park or public space (City): $100.","how_long":"Not applicable.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"RDCO dog park map (linked from the RDCO dogs page)","value":"https://www.rdco.com/dogs"},{"type":"phone","label":"RDCO Dog Control (enforcement)","value":"250-469-6284"},{"type":"phone","label":"City of West Kelowna Bylaw Compliance (park rules)","value":"778-797-8810"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"City of West Kelowna Parks and Public Spaces Bylaw No. 0184 (consolidated PDF)","url":"https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/westkelownacity-ca/media/l2abqrpd/b0184-parks_and_public_spaces-consolidated.pdf"},{"title":"RDCO Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343 (consolidated PDF)","url":"https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/sueey4fq/bl1343-consolidated-regulate-license-control-responsible-dog-ownership-2023.pdf"}],"related":[{"slug":"dog-licence","title":"West Kelowna dog licences: fees and how to get one","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-kelowna/dog-licence/"},{"slug":"dangerous-dogs","title":"West Kelowna rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-kelowna/dangerous-dogs/"},{"slug":"how-many-pets","title":"How many dogs or cats you can keep in West Kelowna","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-kelowna/how-many-pets/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/peachland","name":"Peachland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/peachland/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kelowna","name":"Kelowna","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kelowna/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/lake-country","name":"Lake Country","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/summerland","name":"Summerland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/summerland/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/penticton","name":"Penticton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/penticton/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/vernon","name":"Vernon","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/dog-leash-rules/"}],"topic":{"title":"Dog leash rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-leash-rules/"},"facts":{"leash_rule":{"label":"Leash rule","value":"A dog must not be at large and must be on a secure leash held by its owner on any street, public place or other private property, unless the area is a designated off-leash park or area. In City parks, dogs may not be at large except in a designated Dog Off-Leash Park.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/sueey4fq/bl1343-consolidated-regulate-license-control-responsible-dog-ownership-2023.pdf","title":"RDCO Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"ss. 25, 6 (At Large)","quotes":["No Owner shall cause or permit his or her dog to be At Large. Dogs must be kept on a","At Large means any dog on a highway or public place or on private property other than"]},{"url":"https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/westkelownacity-ca/media/l2abqrpd/b0184-parks_and_public_spaces-consolidated.pdf","title":"West Kelowna Parks and Public Spaces Bylaw No. 0184 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"s. 3.2 b)","quotes":["Except where a Park or Public Space or a portion of a Park or Public Space has been","designated as a ‘Dog Off-Leash Park’, no person may allow a dog in his care to be at"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"leash_length":{"label":"Maximum leash length","value":"2 metres or less, fixed length. City parks: a leash no longer than two metres where dogs are allowed.","short":"2 m","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/sueey4fq/bl1343-consolidated-regulate-license-control-responsible-dog-ownership-2023.pdf","title":"RDCO Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"s. 6 (Leash)","quotes":["Leash means a leash with a fixed total length of 2 meters or less."]},{"url":"https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/westkelownacity-ca/media/l2abqrpd/b0184-parks_and_public_spaces-consolidated.pdf","title":"West Kelowna Parks and Public Spaces Bylaw No. 0184 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"s. 3.2 d)","quotes":["they must be harnessed with a","leash no longer than two metres in length."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"off_leash_areas":{"label":"Off-leash areas","value":"Only in designated off-leash parks or areas, where the dog wears a collar or harness with a valid tag, the owner carries a leash, keeps sight and voice control, and follows posted signs. The RDCO has an online dog park map.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/sueey4fq/bl1343-consolidated-regulate-license-control-responsible-dog-ownership-2023.pdf","title":"RDCO Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"s. 28","quotes":["An Owner may cause or permit his or her dog to be At Large in a designated off-leash","The Owner maintains visual sight and verbal control of his or her dog at all times;","The Owner follows all posted rules and regulations on signs in the park or public"]},{"url":"https://www.rdco.com/dogs","title":"Dog licences and control, RDCO","section":"RDCO dogs page","quotes":["View an online map of dog friendly areas within the Regional District boundaries."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"dogs_not_allowed":{"label":"Places dogs are not allowed","value":"Dogs are banned in a City park unless the park (or part of it) is designated as allowing dogs, and from beaches and swim areas unless designated. Under the regional bylaw: parks, playgrounds, sports fields, school grounds, swimming areas and public beaches where dogs are prohibited.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/westkelownacity-ca/media/l2abqrpd/b0184-parks_and_public_spaces-consolidated.pdf","title":"West Kelowna Parks and Public Spaces Bylaw No. 0184 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"s. 3.2 c), f)","quotes":["Except where a Park, or portion thereof, has been designated as a Park which allows","No person being the owner of a pet or domestic animal may allow such animal to enter"]},{"url":"https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/sueey4fq/bl1343-consolidated-regulate-license-control-responsible-dog-ownership-2023.pdf","title":"RDCO Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"s. 26","quotes":["No Owner shall cause or permit his or her dog to be within a public area to include:","park, playground, sports field, school ground, swimming area or public beach where"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"clean_up":{"label":"Cleaning up","value":"Owners must immediately remove dog feces and dispose of them sanitarily on public land and on other people's property. City parks: same rule, immediately.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/sueey4fq/bl1343-consolidated-regulate-license-control-responsible-dog-ownership-2023.pdf","title":"RDCO Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"s. 30","quotes":["unless the Owner immediately removes the","excrement and disposes of it in a sanitary manner."]},{"url":"https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/westkelownacity-ca/media/l2abqrpd/b0184-parks_and_public_spaces-consolidated.pdf","title":"West Kelowna Parks and Public Spaces Bylaw No. 0184 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"s. 3.2 e)","quotes":["An owner must immediately remove and dispose of, in a sanitary manner, feces left by"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine_at_large":{"label":"Fine, dog at large or off leash","value":"Dog at large or not leashed (RDCO bylaw): $150 first offence, $200 second, $300 third and later; early payment discount $25, late penalty $25. Dog at large in a City park or public space (City bylaw): $100.","short":"Or ticket $150 first, $200 second, $300 third","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/vovoh2ok/bl1538-bylaw-notice-enforcement-bylaw-consolidated.pdf","title":"RDCO Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1538 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"Bylaw 1538, Schedule A, Appendix 1","quotes":["Dog at large/Fail to leash – 25 150.00 25.00 25.00 Y","Dog at large /Fail to leash – 25 300.00 25.00 25.00 Y"]},{"url":"https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/fknipfoc/bl1537-ticket-information-and-utilization-consolidated.pdf","title":"RDCO Ticket Information and Utilization Bylaw No. 1537 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"Bylaw 1537, Schedule B, Appendix 1","quotes":["Dog at large / Fail to Leash 25 $150.00 $200.00 $300.00"]},{"url":"https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/westkelownacity-ca/media/n4hdhy3i/b0093-bylaw-dispute-adjudication-consolidated.pdf","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 0093 (consolidated), Schedule 4","section":"Bylaw 0093, Schedule 12","quotes":["Permit dog at large in park or public space 3.2 b) $ 100.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Regional District of Central Okanagan Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343, 2014 (dogs generally); City of West Kelowna Parks and Public Spaces Bylaw No. 0184, 2015 (City parks).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/sueey4fq/bl1343-consolidated-regulate-license-control-responsible-dog-ownership-2023.pdf","title":"RDCO Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"s. 2","quotes":["Regional District of Central Okanagan Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343, 2014"]},{"url":"https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/westkelownacity-ca/media/l2abqrpd/b0184-parks_and_public_spaces-consolidated.pdf","title":"West Kelowna Parks and Public Spaces Bylaw No. 0184 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"Part 1","quotes":["City of West Kelowna Parks and Public Spaces"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":7,"stated":7,"matched":7,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nTwo bylaws apply in West Kelowna. The City's [Parks and Public Spaces Bylaw No. 0184](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/westkelownacity-ca/media/l2abqrpd/b0184-parks_and_public_spaces-consolidated.pdf) covers City parks. The RDCO's [Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/sueey4fq/bl1343-consolidated-regulate-license-control-responsible-dog-ownership-2023.pdf) covers dogs generally. A dog must not be at large. Outside a designated off-leash park or area it must be on a secure leash held by its owner, 2 metres or less and fixed length.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Keep your dog on a leash of 2 metres or less on streets, in public places and in City parks, unless you are in a designated off-leash park or area.\n2. Check the RDCO dog park map (linked from rdco.com/dogs) for off-leash areas. The Parks bylaw does not list them.\n3. Follow posted signs.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- In an off-leash area your dog must wear a collar or harness with a valid tag, you must carry a leash, keep your dog in sight and under voice control, and follow the signs.\n- Dogs are banned in a City park unless the park (or part of it) is designated for dogs, and from beaches and swim areas unless designated. The RDCO bylaw also bans dogs from parks, playgrounds, sports fields, school grounds, swimming areas and public beaches where they are prohibited.\n- Pick up your dog's feces immediately and dispose of them sanitarily, on public land and on other people's property.\n- Fines: a dog at large or not leashed under the RDCO bylaw is $150 first offence, $200 second and $300 third and later (early-payment discount $25, late penalty $25). A dog at large in a City park or public space is $100 under the City bylaw.\n- Report loose dogs to RDCO Dog Control at 250-469-6284.","sources":[{"url":"https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/westkelownacity-ca/media/l2abqrpd/b0184-parks_and_public_spaces-consolidated.pdf","title":"West Kelowna Parks and Public Spaces Bylaw No. 0184 (consolidated) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/sueey4fq/bl1343-consolidated-regulate-license-control-responsible-dog-ownership-2023.pdf","title":"RDCO Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343 (consolidated) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.rdco.com/dogs","title":"Dog licences and control, RDCO","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/vovoh2ok/bl1538-bylaw-notice-enforcement-bylaw-consolidated.pdf","title":"RDCO Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1538 (consolidated) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/fknipfoc/bl1537-ticket-information-and-utilization-consolidated.pdf","title":"RDCO Ticket Information and Utilization Bylaw No. 1537 (consolidated) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.westkelownacity.ca/city-services/bylaw-compliance/","title":"Bylaw Compliance, City of West Kelowna","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/westkelownacity-ca/media/n4hdhy3i/b0093-bylaw-dispute-adjudication-consolidated.pdf","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 0093 (consolidated), Schedule 4","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-kelowna/dog-leash-rules/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-kelowna/dog-leash-rules.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-kelowna/dog-leash-rules.json"}}