Find a dog park or waste container

Find fenced, leash-free dog areas at Bechtel Park, Waterloo Park West and Copper Street. Learn dog park rules and where to dispose of dog waste.

On this page:

1. Visit a leash-free dog park
2. Buy or renew your dog licence
3. Follow dog park rules
4. Throw out dog waste properly
5. Find dog waste recycling containers
6. Lost and found
7. Report a park or trail issue

Visit a leash-free dog park

The City of Waterloo has 3 leash-free dog parks. Each is fully fenced and open to licensed dogs and their owners. Remember to clean up after your pet and follow dog park rules.

Stay in control of your dog at all times.

Bechtel Park Dog Park

• open daily from sunrise to sunset
• located at the south end of Bechtel Park
• parking nearby
• natural surface – may be muddy after rain
• uneven terrain with a short, steep hill from parking lot to entrance
• dog waste unit available

Get directions to Bechtel Park Dog Park

Waterloo Park West Dog Park

• open daily from sunrise to sunset
• temporary leash-free dog park near the Westmount Road entrance
• mostly grassy surface and seating available
• waste bin available

Get directions to Waterloo Park West Dog Park

Copper Street Dog Park

• open daily from sunrise to sunset
• near Columbia Street West and Platinum Drive
• 7,000 square metre area, about the size of a high school soccer field
• mostly grass surface, with seating nearby
• water tap available May to October
• dog waste unit available
• accessible parking spot on site

Get directions to Copper Street Dog Park

Buy or renew your dog licence

All dogs must have a valid licence before visiting a leash-free park. A licence helps return lost dogs home quickly and supports local animal services.

Buy or renew your dog licence

Follow dog park rules

Dog parks are open daily from sunrise to sunset. They are not supervised or lit, and there is no winter maintenance. Use at your own risk.

Keep dogs and people safe

• keep dogs leashed until inside the fenced area
• stay attentive and move around to prevent territorial behaviour
• be ready to leash your dog at any time
• no children under 6; children 6 to 15 must be with an adult

Make sure your dog is ready for the park

• dogs must be licensed, vaccinated and spayed or neutered if older than 7 months
• leave aggressive, sick or in-heat dogs at home
• puppies must be at least 12 weeks old

Supervise responsibly

• handlers must be 16 years or older
• maximum 2 dogs per person
• do not bring treats or toys that may cause conflict
• pick up and dispose of dog waste in designated containers

All dogs in Waterloo must have a valid dog licence.

Throw out dog waste properly

You have 2 ways to throw out dog waste in Waterloo:

1. Poop recycling containers – use any bag and place it in a dog waste container. Most of the container is underground to reduce smell. Waste is collected and converted into energy.
   
   
2. Green bin – use a compostable bag and take the waste home to your green bin. This doesn’t create energy, but it diverts waste from landfill. Learn more on the Region of Waterloo green bin page.