Our city and community is a pet, and pet-lover’s paradise. There are endless areas to walk, play and explore, an amazing off-leash dog park, and ample off-leash dog hours at neighborhood parks all over town. However, it is extremely important that all dog owners keep their dogs on lease and under control at all times. We continue to have incidents in which other dogs or people are attacked. All dog owners need to adhere to the posted signs on the trails that surround Encinitas Ranch.
If a dog is found to have attacked another dog or person they could be quarantined for up to ten days and the owner will be required to provide all documentation related to the dog including proof of vaccinations and vet visits. Obviously we want to avoid such situations so please keep your dogs on lease.
Animal services in Encinitas are administered by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department, while actual services are provided through a contract with the San Diego Humane Society, which offers a wide range of programs and services that strengthen the animal-human bond, prevent cruelty/neglect, provide medical care, educate the community on the humane treatment of animals and provide safety net services for all pet families needing assistance with keeping their pets.
Places for On-Leash Dogs
Dogs are welcome (on 6-foot leash) at all Encinitas parks and trails. Please keep dogs away from posted sensitive habitat areas. Dogs are not allowed on artificial turf at athletic fields or any beach or beach access operated by the City (beaches north of San Elijo State Beach in Cardiff to Encinitas northern city limits).
Off-Leash Places to Play!
Off-leash dogs are always welcome within the Maggie Houlihan Memorial Dog Park at Encinitas Community Park, located at 425 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas. The approximately 2-acre dog park features areas for small dogs, timid or first time dogs, and a large lawn open to all. Please keep dogs on-leash when walking to and from the Dog Park area within Encinitas Community Park and please obey all posted Dog Park rules. The Dog Park is open from 8am to sunset daily, except for regular cleaning and maintenance on Thursdays from 1-3pm. Expect temporary posted closures during rainy or wet conditions or for repairs.
Additionally, the City of Encinitas offers three parks where your dog can be off-leash during specific hours and days. These parks are Encinitas Viewpoint Park on “D” Street, Orpheus Park on Orpheus Drive and Sun Vista Park (east) on Avenida La Posta.
Encinitas Viewpoint Park:
Cornish Drive & D Street
6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
Sun Vista Park (east):
2011 Avenida La Posta
6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
Orpheus Park:
482 Orpheus Drive
6:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday and on Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
Trail Segment 72 (Mountain Vista)
1679 Mountain Vista Drive
Located on City property underneath the SDG&E power lines between Encinitas Blvd. and Mountain Vista Drive, has been designated an off-leash dog area.
Pet Licensing, Lost and Found and Other Essential Pet Services
The City of Encinitas contracts with the San Diego Humane Society to provide animal services. These include humane law enforcement, lost and found, licensing, spay/neuter, vaccination clinics, microchip clinics and adoptions. The San Diego Humane Society offers expanded service hours and coverage seven days a week.