Visitors to Saskatoon’s off-leash dog parks will now only be allowed a maximum of 4 dogs per owner.

City council approved bylaw changes that will limit most to 4 and commercial dog walkers to have up to 8 dogs at specified parks.

Previously there were no limits to the number of dogs someone could walk at any of the City s off-leash areas and there were no formal processes specific to commercial dog walkers.

The change comes after a 2018 survey for Saskatoon’s dog parks that highlighted behavioural concerns with dogs as the primary reason for non-use.

City administration will now develop a communication plan for all off-leash area users, including commercial dog walkers and Dog Park Ambassadors. Commercial dog walkers will get a letter explaining the new process along with an application package for a new Commercial Dog Walking Permit.