Off Leash Dog Areas

In general, dogs are required to be leashed within county parks and open spaces unless an off-leash privilege has been established for a specific designated area. The standard canine policy is set forth in the Santa Barbara County Code:

Section 26-49. Dogs required on leash. No person shall bring a dog into or permit a dog to enter or remain within, or maintain a dog within any county recreation area unless the dog is on a leash not more than six feet in length and under the immediate control of a capable and responsible person, or properly confined. It is unlawful to permit any dog to run at large within any county recreation area or to be within any county recreation area without a physical restraint. (Ord. No. 3708, § 1; Ord. No. 4508, § 1)

Section 26-49.1 of the County Code also permits off-leash canine play areas in our parks and county recreation areas under certain conditions, and in recent years County Parks has worked with owner groups to develop inviting play areas throughout the county. These range from Woof PAC Park at Waller Park in Santa Maria to Arroyo Burro Beach in Santa Barbara to Toro Canyon Park near Carpinteria.Our goal always is to work collaboratively with dog owners and park neighbors so that these canine play areas are well maintained, safe for dogs and people, and do not unduly add to noise or congestion. The County Parks Division is currently working to develop new canine play areas, upgrade existing ones in our regional parks, and encourage more partnerships with dog owners.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR DOG SAFE AT DOG PARKS

Sites and Hours

Arroyo Burro Beach Park Located at 2981 Cliff Drive, this county park is the portal for the best known off-leash spot in the Santa Barbara area. Dogs are required to be on leash through the parking lot and bathing beach until, passing Arroyo Burro Slough, dogs are welcome to run free and cavort in the Pacific Ocean surf below the city's Douglas Family Preserve. Self service dog wash stations provided by County Parks. Hours: Daily from 6:00 AM to Sunset

Tucker's Grove Park Our newest fenced off-leash area at Kiwanis Meadow is now open all hours the park is – from 8:00 a.m. to sunset.  The new play area is at the eastern end of the park, and is near ample parking and a public restroom. This area also provides easy access to the San Antonio Creek Trail, a mostly shaded 1.5-mile route that heads northeasterly to a trailhead at CA Route 154. Tucker's Grove County Park is located at intersection of Turnpike and Cathedral Oaks Roads.

Sea Lookout Park in Isla Vista Sweeping views of the ocean from bluff top, with artistic, oversized cedar seating structures. Unenclosed lawn area. Located at Del Playa Drive at Camino del Sur. Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, and 4:00 PM to Sunset

Toro Canyon County Park Located at the entry to this 74-acre wooded park, the off-leash canine play area consists of a fenced lawn area shaded by oak trees. Parking and restroom immediately adjacent. Address: 576 Toro Canyon Park Road Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, and 4:00 PM to Sunset

Tabano Hollow Neighborhood Open Space Fenced lawn area with drinking trees, drinking fountain, and benches. Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and from 3:00 PM to sunset  Patterson Neighborhood Open Space Unfenced lawn area located at University Drive and Calle Aparejo. Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 10:00 AM

W.O.O.F Pac Park at Waller Park Located in the flagship Waller Park in Santa Maria, this 3-acre canine play area features fenced lawn areas for large and small dogs, double entry gates, canine drinking fountains, and benches for seating. Restrooms and Wripples self service pet spa located nearby. W.O.O.F. stands for "Winners Of Off-leash Freedom." Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to Sunset This dog park is will be closed periodically on Thursdays for maintenance.

Orcutt Community Park, Orcutt Our newest canine facility opened in Spring 2009 at this new regional park in the Rice Ranch section of Orcutt. This fenced canine play area is about 2.5 acres in size and features small and large dog areas, dog water fountains, and benches for dog owners and friends. Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to Sunset

Dogs are not permitted in the following areas:

Rancho Guadalupe Dunes.

NOTE: These rules may change as circumstances require.  They will be prominently posted at each site.

• All of the rules in Santa Barbara County Code 26-49 and 49.1 apply to the use of any designated off-leash area.

• Dogs must be under the voice control of their caretaker.

• Leaving dogs unattended is prohibited. Owner/caretaker must be with dogs.

• No more than 3 dogs per responsible adult (caretaker) allowed per visit.

• Owners must carry a six-foot leash at all times, one for each dog.

• Young children must be closely supervised.

• Owners must clean up after their dogs.

• Dogs with a known history of dangerous behavior are prohibited.

• Aggressive dogs must be muzzled or removed.

• Dogs must be leashed until they are in the posted off-leash area & upon leaving the posted off-leash area, using a six-foot leash.Park users & dog owners assume all risk related to park use.

• The park is open to all park users.

• Puppies less than 4 months of age are prohibited.

• Dogs in heat are prohibited.

• Off-leash usage will be monitored with the assistance of local volunteers, DogPAC members, and County Parks staff.

• Each dog must wear a collar with identification and valid license attached at all times while in an off-leash area.

• Dogs must have current vaccinations.

SB Co. Ord. 26-49.1