There is no shortage of places to explore with your dog this summer in St. Albert! With over 100 kilometres of trails, two fully-fenced off-leash dog parks, 15+ off-leash sites and 10+ off-leash boarded rinks, you’re sure to find fun and adventure!

With the weather heating up, keeping your dog safe can be easy with a little planning ahead and safety tips! Read more below:

Top 6 Outdoor Summer Safety Tips

1. Hot Paws
   Enjoying the warm summer heat with Fido can be lots of fun, but it can also be dangerous for their paws. Hot pavement can burn a dog’s paws pads if you are not careful. A good rule-of-thumb is to place your hand on the asphalt or cement for 10 seconds to see if the ground is comfortable to the touch. If it is forecasted to be a warmer day, a great alternative to the trails is any off-leash area as grass will keep your dog’s sensitive paws cool.
2. Heatstroke
   During the summer months, you should always monitor your dog for signs of heatstroke such as excessive panting, dry or sticky gums, or if your pooch appears lethargic, restless, or distressed. If this occurs, move your dog to a cool or shaded area, offer them water, cool their body with wet towels or in the event of an emergency, transport them to a veterinary clinic. If it is going to be a hot day, walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
3. Vehicles
   Heatstroke and heat exhaustion can happen very quickly inside a vehicle. Even if the windows are cracked and it is a cooler day that is overcast, your pet could be in danger if left inside the vehicle for even a few minutes. If you have errands to run, only bring your dog with you if they can come inside the store; otherwise, leave them at home to keep them safe.
4. Foreign Objects
   When walking your dog, always monitor them to ensure they do not eat foreign objects left on the ground, which can be quite harmful to your pet.  It is also recommended to regularly check your yard for foreign objects that might have been blown or thrown into your yard.
5. Hydration
   Always remember to bring yourself and your dog some cool water when exploring St. Albert’s trails or off-leash areas. Fido needs water and hydration just as much as we do in warm weather!
6. Exercise
   Dogs love running around, going on walks and getting in their daily exercise. But how hot is too hot for dogs? Try not to exercise your dog in the midday heat and aim to take them out in the early morning or evening when the temperature is cooler. If possible, stick to indoor activities during the hottest part of the day this summer.

Off-leash Area Guidelines

City parks and trails are enjoyed by many, so practicing responsible dog ownership is important to ensure St. Albert’s shared outdoor spaces are comfortable for all. This means not only taking care of your pet’s health and safety but also being respectful and following the City’s guidelines.

Remember, St. Albert is an on-leash community, unless in one of the City’s two dog parks or designated off-leash areas. This means all dogs must be leashed on or within one metre of trails, including when a trail cuts through an off-leash area. Owners or walkers must always carry a leash, even in off-leash areas. We also remind owners that dogs are prohibited from being in playground areas even when on a leash. This also applies during the summer months when school is out.

Learn more about responsible dog ownership

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Related Pages

Dog Licences ›

Off-Leash Area Locations ›

Animal Bylaw ›