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 |
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Sea Lookout Park in Isla Vista ![]() Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, and 4:00 PM to Sunset |
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Patterson Neighborhood Open Space |
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 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.
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All of the rules in Santa Barbara County Code 26-49 and 49.1 apply to the use of any designated off-leash area.
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Dogs must be under the voice control of their caretaker.
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Leaving dogs unattended is prohibited. Owner/caretaker must be with dogs.
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No more than 3 dogs per responsible adult (caretaker) allowed per visit.
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Owners must carry a six-foot leash at all times, one for each dog.
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Young children must be closely supervised.
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Owners must clean up after their dogs.
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Dogs with a known history of dangerous behavior are prohibited.
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Aggressive dogs must be muzzled or removed.
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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.
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The park is open to all park users.
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Puppies less than 4 months of age are prohibited.
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Dogs in heat are prohibited.
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Off-leash usage will be monitored with the assistance of local volunteers, DogPAC members, and County Parks staff.
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Each dog must wear a collar with identification and valid license attached at all times while in an off-leash area.
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Dogs must have current vaccinations.
SB Co. Ord. 26-49.1