Dog Off-Leash Areas & Map
Scroll down for a map and list of designated off-leash areas in the Seattle Parks and Recreation system.
We want to keep our furry friends safe along with everyone else. In the video below, meet Buddy the dog and learn where he can roam on and off leash in Seattle, and about the importance of following leash and poop scoop rules to ensure a positive, safe park experience for all, and to support a healthy environment!
Pups, Poop & Parks - here's the scoop
In Seattle, pups are welcome in parks as long as they are on a leash; but even better are the 14 exciting exceptions! At these designated off-leash areas, Fido is free to run, roll over, meet new friends, work out, play with his owners and socialize with his canine friends.
Dogs are not allowed at any time on organized athletic fields, beaches, or children's play areas in Seattle parks, per the Seattle Municipal Code. Dogs must be on a leash at all times, unless inside the boundaries of our designated off-leash areas.
Interested in volunteering to support off-leash areas in Seattle? Contact our Off-Leash Area Coordinator using the info near the top right of this page.
Report an off-leash dog or other animal issues by contacting Seattle Animal Control. Animal control officers at the Seattle Animal Shelter are responsible for enforcing the laws and codes involving animals within the city of Seattle. Officers work seven days a week to ensure human and animal safety within our city.
Off-Leash Area Expansion Study
In Spring or Summer 2023, Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is set to launch an Off-Leash Area (OLA) study, which will be led by department subject matter experts. The study will look at 30 sites across the city that may have the potential to become future OLAs. Staff will examine each site from an environmental, engineering, geographic, equity, and dog behavioral perspectives. At the conclusion of this study, SPR will be able to present to the community a list of sites that we believe are feasible and most suited for future OLAs. The Metropolitan Park District provides funding for 2 new OLAs; from there the department will need to request additional funding to construct and maintain any additional OLAs.
The connection between us humans and our furry friends runs deep in our collective history. From our likely role in their slow evolution from grey wolves into dogs around 15,000 years ago, to the fact that many of our households today are home to one or more dogs, it’s undeniable the increased role they play in our society and day-to-day life. With this comes the need for increased access to amenities for dogs that allow their owners to exercise and socialize them, make connections with others, and generally raise healthy and happy pets.
SPR has been among other leading cities in providing access to legal off leash areas, constructing the city’s first Off Leash Area (OLA) in 1997. However, with the exponential growth we’ve witnessed of the number of dogs among Seattle residents in the recent decade, SPR has recognized the need for, and has been working toward, an expanded OLA system. We have had some success increasing the number of OLAs gradually over the years in partnership with community, but the current situation calls for a more concrete and robust response; one which not only helps increase the number of individual OLAs over the coming years, but also improves the overall quality and experience of our existing OLAs.
People, Dogs and Parks Strategic Plan
In 2017, Seattle Parks and Recreation released the final draft of the People, Dogs, and Parks Plan. See an overview on this page or read the plan and learn more about the future of Off-Leash Areas.
Improvements
The Seattle Park District's Maintaining Parks and Facilities funding initiative provides funding to improve Dog Off-Leash Areas (OLAs) throughout Seattle.
Seattle Parks and Recreation is working to improve drainage at the Westcrest Off-Leash Area. Please visit the Westcrest Park Drainage Improvements project page for more information.
For information about other current and completed projects please visit the Improve Dog Off-Leash Areas webpage.