Pilot Dog Off-Leash Areas
Pilot Dog Off-Leash Areas
At the request of City Council members, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is exploring temporary, fenced Dogs Off-Leash Area (DOLA) in certain parks. These temporary designated spaces will help PARD to understand the benefits and drawbacks of a DOLA within identified parks.
By City Code, it is illegal to have dogs off-leash in public unless in a designated off-leash area. Dog Off-Leash Areas (DOLAs) provide safe spaces for dogs to play and run free. Fenced DOLAs can help to reduce conflicts between dogs and other park users. The park pilots below are locations without a designated DOLAS but have been frequently used by owners as off-leash areas.
The purpose of the Pilot was to provide temporary space for dog owners to take their pets to be off-leash without creating additional conflict with other park users. The data collected will assist the Department is deciding whether to move forward with a permanent DOLA. Additional objectives include:
- Reduce the frequency of off-leash dogs in the park outside of the designated area;
- Provide a space for dog owners to take their pets off-leash without creating conflict with other park users;
- Encourage compliance with city ordinance;
- Explore community sentiment of the off-leash area in the park;
- Evaluate maintenance needs and ongoing expenses; and
- Assess environmental impact.
For more information, visit the Pilot DOLA webpage.
Circle C Ranch Pilot Dog Off-Leash Area Survey
The Parks and Recreation Department is exploring a temporary off-leash area for dogs at Circle C Ranch Metropolitan Park. This pilot program will gather information on the frequency of off-leash dogs in...
Longview Pilot Dog Off-Leash Area Survey
The Parks and Recreation Department is exploring a temporary off-leash area for dogs at Longview Neighborhood Park. This pilot program will gather information on the frequency of off-leash dogs in the...
Little Zilker Park Dog Off-Leash Area Pilot
The Parks and Recreation Department is exploring an off-leash area for dogs in Little Zilker Neighborhood Park. This pilot program aims to reduce the frequency of off-leash dogs in the park outside of...