New Animal Bylaws
Saanich’s new Animals Bylaw is now in place and this kicks off an education and transition period that will give Saanich staff and CRD enforcement officers time to inform park visitors about the coming changes.
During this transition period, people will begin to see updated signage in Saanich parks, and periodic updates posted to the Saanich website and on our social media channels.
The new bylaws are briefly outlined here [PDF - 115 KB] with full details here. [PDF - 8 MB]
Have questions? Visit our FAQ page.
Learn more about the CRD's Petiquette Program, animal regulations, and general pet information.
Leash Optional Parks Map
Click here to view a pdf version of the map. [PDF - 2 MB]
On-Leash/No Dogs Allowed Parks Map
Click here to view a pdf version of the map [PDF - 1 MB]
People Pets and Parks – Spring 2026 Update:
Creating a more welcoming park experience for everyone
Signage: Mostly Complete, With More to Come
Most of our new park signs are now installed across Saanich parks. These signs were designed to be clearer and more consistent so visitors can easily understand park guidelines and dog-related information.
Monitoring and community feedback have helped us identify areas where additional signs would be helpful. More signs will continue to be added throughout the year as we refine wayfinding and communication.
This includes:
- Colour coded park entry signs
- Map based dog information signs
- Updated guideline reminders throughout parks
Leash Optional Area Designs are Complete
Design work for the first dedicated enclosed and partially enclosed leash optional areas is now finished.
Construction timelines
- PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park): Construction is underway and expected to be completed by the end of April 2026.
- Cuthbert Holmes Park: Construction is planned for later this year, pending approval from the Ministry of Transportation and Transit.
Pop-Up Dog Parks are Back! April - October
While we work toward permanent parks for pups over the next few years, be sure to check out our three pop-up dog parks for this season. Find more information here.
- Lambrick Park– including big and small dog areas (Gordon Head neighbourhood)
- Hyacinth Park(Carey neighbourhood)
- Rudd Park (Tillicum neighbourhood)
Commercial Dog Walking Permits
Research and preliminary discussions about the future commercial dog walking permit system have started.
This early work will help us better understand needs, impacts, and options as we explore how a permit program could support safe and responsible dog walking services in Saanich parks.
More updates will be shared as this work progresses.
Expanded Public Education
We are continuing to invest in helping everyone enjoy parks respectfully and safely. Upcoming efforts include:
- A new animated educational video focused on dog etiquette and regulations in Saanich
- Additional online resources and information
- More public outreach throughout the year – See you at Strawberry and Cadboro Bay Festivals, and at the Naturalist Pop-up education booths.
- A new Saanich bylaw officer to patrol parks and assist in the education of dog regulations in Saanich.
Need Info on Dog Rules?
We’ve updated every “Find a Park” page with the latest dog info to help you get out and enjoy our parks responsibly.
➡️ Visit saanich.ca/find-a-park or email us at parks@saanich.ca with your questions.
Thank you for helping make our parks safe and welcoming for all.