Off-Leash Areas

COVID-19 update: 

Off leash areas at Tower Hill and Phyllis Rawlinson Parks are now open.

• Please do not bring dog toys or bowls into the park
• Bring your own own hand sanitizer
• Bring and use your own bag to pick up after your dog

Richmond Hill has two great off leash dog areas where you and your dog can safely run around, meet new dog buddies and enjoy the outdoors. As a pet owner it's your responsibility to keep these areas safe for everyone.

Our staff and the Richmond Hill K9 Klub maintain these areas and make sure the Shared Responsibility for Ongoing Operations is met according to the Off Leash Dog Area Policy.

Locations

Phyllis Rawlinson Park Off Leash Dog Area

This one hectare area is located in Phyllis Rawlinson Park and is surrounding by a 1.5 m wire fence with cedar timber posts. The off-leash area includes:

• onsite parking
• bathrooms
• separate area for small dogs
• double-gated entrance
• access path that meets accessibility standards

For directions, view the Phyllis Rawlinson Park Off Leash Dog Area location map.

Tower Hill Off Leash Dog Area

This 3/4 hectare area is surrounded by a 1.5 m chain link fence. The open space is located south of Tower Hill Road, just west of Yonge Street. The off-leash area includes:

• separate area for small dogs
• double-gated entrance and exit
• location along Richmond Hill's trail system
• new evergreen hedgerow

For directions, view the Tower Hill Off Leash Dog Area location map.

Rules and regulations

Hours of Operation:

• April 15 to October 15 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• October 16 to April 14 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Richmond Hill's Off Leash Dog Area Rules include:

• The following dogs are not permitted in off leash areas:
  • Unlicensed dogs (Buy your dog licence online)
  • Female dogs in heat
  • Unneutered male dogs
  • Dogs without up-to-date vaccinations
  • Dogs requiring muzzles, according to the Dog Owner's Liability Act
• Dogs must be with an owner at least 16 years of age.
• One owner can't be responsible for more than three dogs in the off leash area.
• Dogs must be on leash coming in and out of the off leash area.
• Glass containers and other breakable items that might cause injury to the dogs are not allowed in the off leash area.
• Owners must pick up after their dog.
• Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the off leash area.
• Owners must be able to see their dogs at all times.
• Owners are responsible for their dogs at all times.

For more information or to report problems or concerns, please contact the following services:

• Animal Services at the City of Vaughan by phone at 905-832-2281, toll free 1-855-227-7297 or at animal.services@vaughan.ca
• Richmond Hill By-law Enforcement Services at 905-771-0198