Dogs belong in Seattle. But not off-leash in city parks and beaches

Four feet and a wagging tail and Seattleites’ hearts melt. They are everywhere: tiny dogs, massive dogs, hyper dogs, chill dogs, aristocratic purebreds, humble mutts.

You can meet these types and many more at Seattle parks, where they are regularly seen tromping around unleashed, uncontrolled and — if you happen to be a child — in your face.

This is a problem. With a growing sense of entitlement and disregard for the basic tenet of city living — do unto others as you would have them do unto you — too many dog owners are setting their beloveds free at Seattle parks, making them de facto off-leash areas.

Full disclosure: Members of the editorial board own dogs. These dogs, to put it mildly, lead pretty good lives. But we are also consistent proponents of civility, and that means following rules set in place to ensure the enjoyment of public spaces for everyone.

Dog owners ought to forgo the neighborhood park, slip on a leash and take Fido for a long walk instead.

Here are the basic rules, per Seattle Parks and Recreation: Dogs are welcome in parks as long as they are on a leash. Dogs are not allowed at any time on organized athletic fields, beaches, or children’s play areas in Seattle parks, per the Seattle Municipal Code.

But as The Times recently reported, things are getting a little hairy out there.

More than two-thirds of the 1,251 readers who responded to a Seattle Times survey said unleashed dogs in parks upset them. Complaints to Seattle’s Animal Services about dogs at parks reached an all-time high — 1,100 reports — in 2024.

There are 14 existing off-leash areas, and five planned and funded off-leash areas to be built in Seattle. But some dog owners say it isn’t enough.

Pandemic lockdowns prompted many people to get a pooch. (That trend has a darker side, as KUOW recently reported that dog shelters are now at overcapacity with pets no longer wanted).

With the push for more affordable housing, apartment dwelling has grown substantially. These folks need somewhere to exercise their dogs.

Which brings us back to the leash, and the happy prospect of a long walk.
If owners love their city as much as their dogs, this should be a no-brainer. Parks are for people.