Dogs in County parks
Bring your canine companion to enjoy the outdoors. Santa Clara County Parks offers on-leash and off-leash areas for you and your dog to explore.
Most areas in the County Parks system are open to dogs on a six-foot leash. Common areas where dogs are not permitted include: children's playgrounds, historic sites, interpretive facilities, archery ranges, and designated trails. Areas that are prohibited to dogs entirely will be clearly posted with an international "no dog" sign. If you don't see a sign, just keep your dog leashed, and go outside and play!
Santa Clara County Parks is committed to providing access to parks for a variety of purposes including recreational opportunities for visitors and dogs. Before heading out to one of our parks, please review the following information and regulations to ensure that your visit is pleasurable.
Off-leash dog areas
The County has three off-leash dog areas, conveniently located for your enjoyment.
| Park | Location | Description | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Gatos Creek | Located off of Dell Avenue in Campbell | Two fenced areas to keep small and large dogs separated | (408) 355-2375 |
| Ed R. Levin | Located off of Calaveras Road in Milpitas | Separate small and large dog areas; the largest of all the fenced off-leash facilities | (408) 262-6980 |
| Hellyer | Located off of Hwy 101 at the Hellyer Avenue exit on the north side of Hellyer County Park | One large area where small and large dogs share roaming space | (408) 225-0225 |
Use of any of our off-leash areas are free; however, a vehicle entrance fee is collected upon entrance to the parks. In addition, off-leash areas are closed one day a week for routine turf and grounds maintenance. Contact that park's office for current maintenance schedules.
Fee information is available on our vehicle entry fees page.
Rules for dogs in the parks
Here are some basic rules to follow when you bring your dog to an off-leash dog facility:
- Dogs must be controlled by a six (6) foot leash at all times except in off-leash facilities.
- Handlers must be at least 16 years of age. An adult must accompany all persons under 16.
- Only two dogs permitted per handler. Handlers must supervise and be able to verbally control their dogs at all times.
- It is the dog owner's responsibility or person having custody or care of the dog to ensure that their animal doesn't interfere with, bother, or harass park users, other animals, wildlife or park resources.
- Dogs with aggressive tendencies are not allowed. Any dog showing aggressive behavior must be removed from the off-leash facility immediately.
- Dog handlers/owners are responsible for all injury caused by their dogs and must provide contact information if their dog bites another dog or person.
- All dogs must wear proof of current license, rabies vaccination, and be free of communicable diseases. Dogs in heat are not allowed.
- Please pick up after your pet. Scooper bags are provided in high-use areas. If you have hiked into a remote area, please pack your dog's waste out.
