Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources
Rules & Regulations
Arlington County loves its dogs! Community Canine Areas (CCA), which are specific posted areas within a few County parks, are great places for humans and dogs to meet, greet and have fun. Please be sure to abide by these rules and regulations to have a safe and rewarding experience in Community Canine Areas. Please note that pets are not allowed on designated athletic fields at any time.
- All dogs must be licensed and vaccinated before entering the CCA.
- No dogs less than four months old are permitted in a CCA.
- Female dogs in heat are not allowed in a CCA at any time.
- No food is allowed within the boundaries of a CCA.
- A handler/guardian may bring in no more than three dogs at a time.
- Professional dog trainers may not use any CCA to conduct business, unless sponsored by Arlington County.
- Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the CCA.
- Handlers/guardians must be in possession of their dog's leash at all times.
- Handlers/guardians must remain with their dog and be in view of their dog at all times.
- Handlers/guardians are responsible for the removing dog waste from the CCA and disposing of it in a proper receptacle.
- Dogs must be removed at the first sign of aggression. Aggressive dogs shall not be permitted within any designated off-leash CCA. An "aggressive dog" is defined as a dog that poses a threat to humans or other animals. Handlers/guardians are legally responsible for their dog and any injury caused by them.
- Handlers/guardians must not allow their dogs to bark on a continuous or frequent basis. It is unlawful for any person who owns, possesses or harbors a dog to permit that dog to create a frequent or continued noise disturbance across a real property boundary or within a nearby dwelling unit. (County Code)
- Handlers/guardians, prior to leaving the CCA, must fill holes dug by their dog.
- Dog grooming is not allowed in any CCA, unless it is part of an Arlington County sponsored program.
- Parents must be in control of their children at all times in a CCA.
- Violations of the leash law, pooper-scooper law and running-at-large law can result in a summons to appear in court and a fine of $100.
- Both rabies vaccination tags and County Dog License tags are required to be secured on your dog's collar at all times. Find out how to get a license for your dog.
Any animal violations or animal bites should be reported immediately to the Department of Animal Control located at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington at 703-931-9241 or 2650 South Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington, VA 22206.
Thinking of training? Dog and puppy obedience classes are frequently offered through the Enjoy Arlington! Class Catalog.
COMMUNITY CANINE
• Community Canine Area Locations
• Pet Licenses
• Rules and Regulations
RELATED RESOURCES
• Animal Welfare League of Arlington
• Arlington Dogs
• Banneker Dogs, Inc.
• Ft. Barnard Dog Park
