Boise Off Leash Area Info

Where can my dog be Off Leash in Boise?
There is a temporary Off Leash Area (OLA) set up in the flood retention basin at Military Reserve. Your dog should be leashed in other parts of the Reserve. The city also has areas available in city parks for organized events, such as training or agility, where dogs will be off leash. For more information on where these areas are and how to get a permit for an event, call Boise City Parks at 384-4240. You can be ticketed for having your dog off leash anywhere else in the city except your own back yard.

Are we getting close to having permanent Off Leash Areas?

The Off Leash Task Force has narrowed their recommendations down to 4 sites to be presented to Boise City Parks and Rec Board. The sites are:

• Bowler site, located in South East Boise at Surprise Valley

• Willow Lane Park has a section that is in the flood plain and has limited development potential. This site has river access, small hills, large open area, existing parking.

• Military Reserve Temporary Off-leash Area should be improved to meet the minimum off-leash area requirements.

• Large Park in South West Boise (Murgoitio Site) has an off-leash area in the master plan of the park.

• Trails. Will be speaking with Tim Breuer of Ridge to Rivers to discuss trails most appropriate to this type of use. Easy, moderate and challenging trails in different sections of the reserves is what is preferred and is a goal of the task force.

What are the minimum Off Leash Area requirements?

The Task Force will suggest the following minimum Off-Leash Area requirements

• Two acres

• Fencing (preferred: 6 foot fence, rounded corners, separate puppy/small dog area)

• Water

• Shade

• Parking access

• ADA accessibility

• Mutt Mitt Dispensers

• Garbage Cans

• Seating (benches/picnic tables, etc.)

• Double gated entries

• Signage: rules, bulletin boards

• Rest Rooms

• One off-leash area in each quadrant of town (total of four off-leash areas)

• Three off-leash trails (easy, moderate and challenging)

For more information on Task Force meetings, click here for minutes

How will the improvements be funded?
Typically, the Parks Department provides the land for a park for a specific use to a user group and the user groups fund the improvements on the land. Parks then maintains the property. We will need to raise money to develop these parks. City D.O.G. is dedicated to raising the necessary funds for OLAs. How to Help

Is City DOG affiliated with Boise City?

No, we are a non-profit organization made up of dog lovers who want places for our pups to play off leash. We are working with the City and Parks and Rec to make this happen. City DOG is also dedicated to responsible dog ownership, owner education and making the world a better place for our canine companions. For more information, click here.

Are there health problems associated with OLAs?

Any time that a lot of dogs gather in one place, the likelihood of passing along parasites or sickness exists, just like with people. Get your dog a bordatella vaccination, which prevents kennel cough. Also watch for fleas and keep an eye on your dog's stools for worms. Be courteous of other users and keep your dog at home if he/she isn't feeling well. Help us keep the OLA healthy by keeping the area clean. Pick up after your dog and encourage others to do the same.