Los Gatos Dogs Off Leash Q&A

At the direction of Los Gatos Town Council, town staff is working with the Los Gatos Parks Commision and community members to evaluate a pilot program for dogs off-leash at Live Oak Manor, Bachman, and La Rinconada parks.

Town staff held three public meetings at on April 25, May 9, and May 23 to receive community input on the proposed program recommended by the Council.

The Parks Commision will hold a meeting at 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 5  at the Los Gatos Parks and Public Works Service Center, 41 Miles Ave., to consider all the feedback received to date on the future program.

The Council could make a final program recommendation uring its 7 p.m. June 18 meeting at Council Chambers, 110 E. Main St. at Town Hall.

The following questions and answers are posted on the town's website to help dog owners and interested parties learn more about the program and the process being used to adopt the best policy for Los Gatos residents.

Why is the town considering a pilot program for dog off-leash use? 

At the Feb. 6, 2012 Town Council meeting, following a resident request during the public comment period, the Council requested that the topic of off-leash dog areas be brought to Council for discussion by the end of March. On Feb. 7, 2012, the Parks Commission directed Town staff to prepare a proposal regarding an implementation plan for evaluating an off-leash dog pilot program. Prior to proposing or implementing significant changes in park use, staff works to ensure the adjacent neighborhood is engaged in a community input process, and that all existing user groups are invited to participate. As part of the proposed community input process, neighborhood residents and dog-owners would be invited to participate in order to ensure optimal use of limited park space and neighborhood compatibility. On March 19, 2012 staff provided a status update and a proposal to conduct such a community process. The Town Council directed staff to evaluate options for a dog off-leash pilot program and conduct a public input process, and to provide a recommendation no later than the June 18, 2012 Council meeting.

How were the off-leash parks chosen?

Staff originally identified six parks that would be of sufficient size to accommodate an off-leash dog area.  However, after factoring in use patterns and recreational programming demands, only four of the six have been identified as suitable for further consideration: Bachman, Belgatos, La Rinconada, and Live Oak Manor.  After gathering some initial public input earlier this year, staff has been researching use patterns at these four sites.  There appears to be a demonstrated demand at three of the parks (all except Belgatos) that warrants further consideration for the pilot program.

How long would a pilot program last?

The pilot would be 6-12 months, and could be cancelled at any time if it is determined that there are major issues or impacts created by the program.   

Will there be specific hours when dogs will be allowed off-leash?

Staff is evaluating limited hours where off-leash use would be allowed in designated areas. The hours chosen will take into account the other usage at the parks. Currently, staff is evaluating morning and evening hours (for example, 7-9 a.m. or 6-7 p.m.) with possible limitations on weekend hours.  

Can off-leash areas be fenced in?

At this time, there is no proposed fencing for these areas. Permanent fencing would create a space that could not be used for other activities, and space in the parks is already limited. 

What will the impacts be on the parks’ surrounding neighborhood?

With the limited hours that are being evaluated, staff does not anticipate a large amount of use outside of the immediate area/neighborhood. The impact would ultimately be determined during a pilot period. 

How will owner responsibility be enforced?

Enforcement and education of rules would largely be the responsibility of the other off-leash users.  Some limited staffing from Parks and Public Works will be available, and for urgent issues Los Gatos Monte Sereno Police Department may be called. 

What is the protocol should there be an incident between two dogs, or a dog and park user?

For issues that cannot be addressed by the users, Parks and Public Works and/or the Police Department may be called.