Dogs in our Conservation Areas

It's not only people who love visiting our Grand River Conservation Areas, conservation lands and trails -- dogs do, too!

Dogs are welcome, but owners must follow some very important rules to keep people, pets and wildlife safe:

• Keep your dog on a leash that’s less than 2 m/6 ft long, and make sure they’re under control at all times.
  • Be a 'lead'-er. Leashing your dog in our conservation areas is the law, and it keeps our staff and visitors safe. You can be fined for having your dog off-leash.
  • Using a short lead also helps ensure that your dog won't be injured by wandering into the path of a car or an unfriendly dog, or encountering a skunk, coyote or poison ivy!

• Make sure your dog stays on marked trails.
  • Staying on marked trails reduces the impact on our properties, protects birds and animals that may live or nest on the ground, and keeps everyone away from danger.
  • Our conservation areas are important habitat for wildlife, including species-at-risk. Keeping your dog on marked trails protects them. 

• Never let your dog chase, disturb or harm wildlife.
  • Wild animals may attack you or your dog if provoked.
  • Chasing wildlife causes them stress and may do great harm.

• Never leave your dog unattended.
  • Vehicles, campsites or picnic areas are no place to leave your dog alone. Wildlife, weather and unfamiliar environments can all be scary and dangerous for your pet.

• Please pick up after your dog.
  • Pet waste on or off our trails is unpleasant and unwelcome, and trees are not places to hang dog waste bags! Keeping our conservation areas clean makes everyone’s visit more enjoyable. 

• Be considerate of other visitors.
  • Some people are afraid of, or allergic, to dogs. Even the most well-behaved dog can frighten or injure another visitor. Don’t let your dog approach anyone without their permission

If you are unable or unwilling to follow these guidelines, we ask that you please leave your pet at home.