Dogs in Parks

Use Pet Parks Responsibly!

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 About Dog Off-Leash Areas...

Many dog owners enjoy exercising their dogs off leash. However, not everyone welcomes a dog approaching them, their children, or their leashed dog. Because many dog owners consider themselves responsible citizens they've asked Salt Lake City Parks and Recreation and the City of Taylorsville to establish off leash areas so they can legally run their dogs off leash without impacting other park users. 

Salt Lake City officials agreed to place off leash areas in three parks and criteria was established for pilot areas in other parks. The criteria for establishing off leash areas was drawn from other cities that have successfully established off leash areas and from local government desire to have a minimum impact on other park users, neighbors, wildlife, and the park's natural beauty.

The off leash areas have signs to inform people of the rules for using the area. City and County officials will monitor the sites and will evaluate the areas' success. The evaluation will continue throughout the life of the off-leash area to ensure that they continue to be used properly.

Salt Lake County Animal Services has committed to increasing its enforcement in these parks to ensure the off-leash areas are used properly. Animal Services has authority to issue fines to dog owners that do not adhere to the rules of the park.

Dogs on a leash continue to be welcome in City and County Parks. As always, dog owners are expected to clean up after their dogs. For more information call Salt Lake City Parks at 972-7860, Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation at 468-2576 or the City of Taylorsville at 963-5400. To reach Salt Lake County Animal Services call 269-7499

Rules for Using the Off-Leash Area...

• Pick up dog waste immediately
• Adhere to the boundaries of the off-leash site
• Have your dog arrive and depart the off-leash area on a leash
• Keep dogs under voice control and within your sight at all times
• Leash dogs showing aggression
• Display current license and vaccination tags on your dog's collar
• Remember that you are responsible for your dog's behavior

Locations of off leash areas: Always check signs and observe boundaries.

Tanner Park, Parley's Nature Park  and Bonneville Shoreline Trail ARE NOT off leash areas.

• Memory Grove, in City Creek Canyon
• Herman Frank's Park, 1300 S 700 E
• Jordan Park, 900 S 900 W
• Lindsey Gardens, 7th Ave & 'O' Street
• Millrace Park, 1150 W 5400 S., Taylorsville
• Parley's Gulch, 2700 East Salt Lake City

Benefits of Leashing Your Pet

• It is a good birth control device, preventing random mating and unwanted puppies.
• It is the best way to keep your dog uninjured, restraining your pet from darting into traffic, eliminating pain and veterinary bills.
• It is the best good neighbor policymaker, keeping your pet from any sort of trespassing, destructive or otherwise, on your neighbor's lands or on the City's sidewalks.
• It will keep your pet from jumping up on children or adults and possibly causing an injury, as well as discomfort or fear.
• It is the best identification service, as the license attached to the collar will get your pet back to you if the dog should be lost.
• It is the best wildlife and environmental protection, keeping your pet from harassing deer and other wild animals, either by itself or as part of a wild dog pack.
• It is the best way to develop an affectionate pet, as the touch of it gives your dog definite assurance that it is protected, loved, and wanted.
• It is also the best crime prevention device because when this leash is not in use, then your pet will be at home.
• Use it. Keep your dog leashed as a habit.

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