Enjoying Your Pet In Parks

Missoula City/County Animal Control is responsible for enforcement of City ordinances

and parks regulations regarding dogs. Report violations at 541-7387.

Sections of special interest to City park users:

6.08.140 Dogs at large. It is unlawful for the owner, custodian, or keeper of any dog to knowingly, purposely or by neglect allow such dog to be at large. However, while actually participating in dog shows or instructional dog obedience training classes dogs may be temporarily off of a leash as long as the dog’s owner or custodian is personally present and able to effectively control the dog at all times. Any dog in a Designated Voice Restraint Area and under voice restraint shall not be deemed at large. An animal control officer may return a licensed dog to the custody of its owner in lieu of impoundment, but all unlicensed dogs are subject to immediate impoundment. (Ord. 3071, 1998; Ord. 2831 §14, 1992; Ord. 2760 §12, 1990; Ord. 2022 §6, 1979; Ord. 1959 (part), 1978; prior code §4‑35).

6.08.150 Animal waste. The owner or custodian of an animal is responsible for the immediate removal of any excreta deposited by his animal on any public walk, park, boulevard, recreation area or other public right-of-way, or any private property outside the owner’s or custodian’s own property. The owner or custodian of an animal is responsible for removal of excreta in a kennel and on the owners or custodian’s property. (Ord. 3071, 1998; Ord. 2831 §15, 1992; Ord. 2022 §8, 1979; Ord. 1959 (part), 1978; prior code §4‑40).

Any violation of Section 6.08.140 Dogs at large or Section 6.08.141 Dogs off leash shall carry the following fines:

Offense Fine

1^st $25.00 plus court costs

2^nd $50.00 plus court costs

3^rd $200.00 plus court costs

4^th $275.00 plus court costs

6.08.090 Animal control officer - Powers and duties. In addition to the duties and powers of the animal control officer or animal control supervisor otherwise prescribed, the animal control supervisor shall:

K. Have authority to require the owner or custodian of a dog that is off leash in a voice restraint area to demonstrate full compliance with behaviors described in the definition of voice restraint.

6.08.250 Disposition of impounded animals.

The kennel impoundment charges shall be

Within any 12

Month Period Licensed Dog Unlicensed Dog

1st Impoundment $ 25.00 $ 50.00

2nd Impoundment $ 45.00 $ 70.00

3rd Impoundment $ 70.00 $ 95.00

4th Impoundment $ 95.00 $120.00

5th Impoundment $120.00 $200.00

Ordinance Definitions:

“Leash” means any common leash, cord, rope, chain or other similar devices no longer than six feet in length and of sufficient strength to restrain and control the dog to which it is attached. Also acceptable as a leash are retractable devices whose length does not exceed 26 feet.

“Off Leash” means a dog off the premises of the owner, keeper, or custodian of the dog not under physical restraint on a leash six feet or less in length even though the owner, keeper, or guardian is accompanying the dog.

“Voice Restraint” means that the dog’s owner or custodian can see the dog and is personally within seventy-five feet of the dog and is able to effectively control and recall the dog at all times and is not allowing the dog to fight with other dogs or chase or harass wildlife.

A Tough Standard: Dogs On Open Space Must Be Under Voice Restraint

*Leashes required where posted

A dog’s owner or custodian must be within 75 feet of the dog and be able to effectively control and recall the dog at all times.

Voice restraint is enforced regardless of any distractions that may be encountered in the park (such as wildlife, other dogs or park visitors).

If your dog runs up to people or other dogs, chases wildlife, or will not consistently come to you immediately upon command, your dog must be leashed. If you are unsure, be safe and keep your dog leashed.

Greet Before You Meet - Basic Dog Etiquette

Conservation Lands visitors seek beauty, serenity, and a kind of experience that is not often available in a metropolitan area. Dog guardians must ensure that canine visitors have a minimal effect on nature and other visitors.

Respect Others

Other park visitors may not want to meet your dog, particularly if they are accompanied by a child, afraid of dogs, elderly, or accompanied by a leashed dog. Some people may be traumatized by the encounter.

Greet Before You Meet

If your dog is off leash and approaching another person or dog on the trail, call ahead: “Is it OK if my dog comes up to you?” or “Is it OK if my dog meets your dog?” If the other person says no, call your dog back immediately. Under voice restraint requirements, your dog is expected to come at once.

Never assume...

that other visitors or their pets will enjoy contact with your dog!

Use extra caution at trailheads

Parking lots and trail heads are constricted areas which receive heavy, concentrated use. Dogs are often in boisterous high spirits when let out of the car. Anticipate and plan for your dog’s excitement. Keep your dog on a short leash around the trailhead to minimize disturbances and interaction with other visitors or dogs, and to protect your dog from backing vehicles and other hazards.

Poop Pick Ups

You are required by law to remove and dispose of your dog’s excrement. Disposal of your dog’s excrement helps minimize the spread of disease and is a courtesy to other visitors. Mutt Mitts for poop pickup are provided free at trail heads. “Disposal” does not mean leaving the full bags along the trail for others to clean up! Please carry them back to a trash can.

Report uncontrolled dogs to Animal Control 541-7387.

Parks Home

Current Projects

Dog Regulations for City Parks and Recreation Areas*

Parks and Trails within City limits - City parks, Ron MacDonald Riverfront Trail System and all other public lands within City limits, unless otherwise posted.

City Animal Control Ordinance (Ordinance #3310, approved 12-19-05)

Where can my dog be off-leash?^«

Jacobs Island Bark Park

Fort Missoula Canine Campus

Some Areas on Mount Sentinel

Some Areas on Mount Jumbo

Some areas in the North Hills

Dog Regulations for the Missoula Ranger District Recreation Areas

Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Ravine Trail 34

Pattee Canyon Recreation Area

Blue Mountain Recreation Area^«