DogPAC SB is deeply grateful that the Board of Supervisors and the County Parks Commission have made the off-leash hours policy at five County parks permanent. Rick Wheeler at the Parks Dept., those who wrote letters in support of the program, and the good behavior of the off- leash park users, made this possible.

DogPAC wants to stress that these privileges depend on the responsible behavior of park users.

As you visit off-leash areas in Santa Barbara please remember our motto of “courtesy, cleanup, and control” and to be a good neighbor by observing the following guidelines:

Petiquette Guidelines for Visiting Off-leash Areas with your Dog

1. Always clean up after your dog and dispose of dog waste properly. Carry an extra bag for others as well, and remind them if necessary that they must also clean up. If you witness noncompliance you can say, for example, “I have an extra bag if you’d like to use it to pick up after your dog.”

2. Leash dogs while entering and exiting the park, and until in a legal, off-leash area.

3. Supervise your dog closely by keeping it in sight at all times to ensure appropriate behavior. Be aware of what your dog is doing and anticipate potential problems such as digging and other potentially destructive behaviors.

4. Be considerate of other park users by respecting their space. Ask if it’s okay for your dog to approach before letting it go up to other dogs or strangers. Monitor your dog closely and be considerate of people who do not want to interact with your dog.

5. Control excessive barking.

6. Respect neighbors’ privacy by keeping noise to an acceptable level, both within the park and in the neighborhood. Within the park, be cognizant of making excessively loud noises, particularly in early morning and late evening hours. Outside of the park, be aware that usually minor noises from things such as car radios accumulate daily for neighbors and should be minimized.