On Tuesday, the City Council directed staff to return at a future meeting with possible options for allowing leashed dogs in certain areas of city parks and with potential locations for adding off-leash dog parks citywide.

Currently, leashed and unleashed dogs are generally not allowed in Carlsbad city parks and beaches. Carlsbad is the only city in the region that does not permit leashed dogs in any of its city parks. In comparison, Coronado and Escondido have some parks where dogs are not allowed, and Santee, La Mesa and Del Mar have specific areas within their parks where dogs are restricted.

In response to community concerns, the City Council requested more information on the existing rules related to dogs in the city and the enforcement of those rules. Staff presented that overview at Tuesday’s meeting. 

As part of the discussion, the City Council directed staff to bring back information on: 

• Possible options for allowing leashed dogs in certain areas of city parks, along with the associated costs such as regulatory signage, dog waste stations, turf and landscape repair, and sanitation - including power washing parks hardscape and amenities and picking up waste that is left unaddressed. 
• Restricting dogs from specific areas of parks like playgrounds and sports fields, and within areas designated for organized programming and special events – such as the TGIF Concerts in the Parks summer series. 
• Potential locations for additional off-leash dog parks citywide. Carlsbad currently has three dog parks. 

The City Council will review this information at a future meeting before considering any potential changes to existing rules or giving direction regarding any additional off-leash dog parks. In the meantime, you can read the staff report online and watch the discussion from Tuesday’s meeting. 

More information
March 18 City Council meeting
March 18 City Council staff report
Dog parks webpage