Table 2.

Overview of five municipal off-leash dog park initiatives in Canada and the US

Location	Implementation	Outline of recommendations
Kelowna, British Columbia	Incorporated two off-leash dog parks on a 2-year trial basis [82]	Community input
		Continuous monitoring and evaluation
		Limit dog access in areas where human recreational activities occur
		Access to hand-washing facilities
Surrey, British Columbia	Created a “Dog Off Leash Area Strategy” to guide development of off-leash dog parks over 2011–2021 [76]	Summary of construction practices and materials used
		Quick waste disposal
		Requiring documentation of veterinary check-ups
		Easy-to-read rule enforcements
Calgary, Alberta	Created an updated off-leash management plan following extensive public engagement through surveys and open houses [83]	Evaluation of existing off-leash areas
		Volunteer program to assist with educating dog owners about dog-related bylaws and off-leash etiquette
Edmonton, Alberta	Created a “Dogs in Open Spaces Strategy”, a 10-year strategy outline [84]	Planning recommendations: location choice based on population density and dog ownership numbers
		Design recommendations: setting of boundaries/fencing and walking circuits that encourage owners to keep moving with their dogs
		Management recommendations: educating park users through signage, enforcement of rules, and regular monitoring and evaluation
Seattle, Washington	Identified 70 possible off-leash sites; a 15 month pilot program was implemented at eight of those sites [37]	Avoid locations near children’s play areas
		Avoid spill-over into non-dog areas