A big part of what makes Colwood such a great place to live is our natural environment that supports the wide range of animals, birds and ocean life that thrive here.
The City of Colwood recognizes dogs are an important part of many families, and appreciate the efforts of all responsible dog owners in our community. To ensure the safe enjoyment of our parks and public spaces, we require pet owners to keep pets under control at all times, clean up after their pets, and observe pet regulations.
Please pick up after pets
A friendly reminder to pick up after pets! Your neighbours (both people and dogs) will thank you. Bacteria in dog waste has the potential for adverse health impacts on people, other dogs, and our environment. Let’s ensure we all respect our parks, trails, and sidewalks so everyone can enjoy!
Dogs in Colwood
The City of Colwood recognizes dogs are an important part of many families. We appreciate the efforts of all responsible dog owners in our community. To ensure the safe enjoyment of our parks and public spaces, we require pet owners to:
- keep pets under control at all times,
- clean up after pets,
- keep pets on trails so as not to disturb nesting animals or trample sensitive plants,
- keep pets on leash in designated areas, and
- observe animal services regulations.
Animal Regulation
The City contracts CRD Animal Services for enforcement of the Animal Regulation Bylaw. The CRD Animal Control Officer for Colwood can be reached by calling (250) 478-0624 or after hours at 1-800-665-7899 extension 0.
Dogs can pose a public safety risk and must be on the property of their owner unless they are under effective control. In playgrounds and picnic areas dogs must be leashed.
Other issues addressed through the Animal Regulation Bylaw include excessive barking, insufficient animal care, kennels, and licensing. The CRD Petiquette page has handy resources to help with some of these issues.
Dog Licensing
If your dog is ever lost, a license is your dog's best ticket home. Find out where to get a dog license in Colwood and what the license fees are on the CRD Animal Care website.
General Restriction
Dogs must be kept under effective control at all times to ensure the safety of all citizens. Dogs are not to run at large or be unattended in any public place, unless they are on a leash.
Leash Requirement
Dogs must be kept on leash:
- within 10 metres of any playground or picnic areas
- within Esquimalt Lagoon National Migratory Bird Sanctuary
- in Royal Roads University lands (which is privately owned and regulated by the University)
Restrictions
Dogs are prohibited at all times from:
- City Sports Facilities including West Shore Parks and Recreation
- Hatley Memorial Burial Park
- Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site
Working and Service Dog Exemption
Working and service dogs are exempt.