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Open Spaces

Dog Off-leash Parks

The City of Greater Dandenong recognises the clear health and social benefits in owning a pet and encourages responsible dog ownership.

One of the key components to maintaining a healthy and socially acceptable dog is good regular exercise. To assist residents in this important task, we have a number of areas within the municipality where dogs can be exercised off-leash. 


Parks/reserves with off-leash areas

Fotheringham Reserve
Dalimore Court, Dandenong

Spring Valley Reserve
Clarke Road, Springvale

Tirhatuan Park
Outlook Drive, Dandenong North

Frederick Wachter Reserve
Bloomfield Road, Keysborough

Lois Twohig Reserve
McFees Road, Dandenong North

Warner Reserve
Flynn and Short Streets, Springvale

Barry J. Powell Reserve
Halton Road, Noble Park North

Robert Booth Reserve
117 Clow Street, Dandenong

Fabian Reserve
Fabian Court, Keysborough

 
View all dog off-leash parks on a map


Off-leash park rules
  • Dogs must only be off-leash in areas designated by Council

  • Dogs can be exercised off-leash only within these designated areas and must be put back on leash when they leave the sign-posted area

  • Dogs must be no more than 50 metres from the person walking them and under effective control by voice command or hand signal at all times

  • Dogs must remain on-leash in all areas if any club or school sport is being played in the park or reserve

  • Dogs off-leash must not be within 20 metres of a playground at any time

  • Dogs must be wearing a current registration tag at all times when they are outside their owner's property

  • Dogs must not be allowed within 20 metres of a designated cycling path or track, unless they are separated from the track by a fence at least 1.2 metres in height

  • Dogs must not be allowed to chase people or other animals

  • Any droppings left by a dog must be cleaned up and disposed of properly
 In areas where dogs can be walked off-leash you will see a green sign with an image of a person with a dog not on a lead in frnt of them. In areas where dogs can't be walked off-leash you will see a red sign with an image of a person walking a dog on a lead.

Council officers randomly patrol parks and reserves to ensure compliance with these rules. On the spot penalties of up to $250 apply for failure to comply with these requirements .

Much more serious penalties can apply to owners of dogs that rush at, menace or attack people or other animals.


Increasing the number off-leash areas

Following community calls for more off-leash areas, Council has improved and expanded the off-leash network with the relocation and improvement of Tirhatuan Park and Fotheringham Reserve and the creation of off-leash areas in Barry J Powel Reserve and Fabian Reserve. Another three potential off-leash areas have been identified to be developed over the coming years.

For more information download the Greater Dandenong Dog off-Leash Strategy (PDF - 2.89MB)