From Queen’s Park’s one-acre off-leash area (with separate sections for small and shy dogs) to the fenced enclosure at Hume Park, where your dog can run freely, New Westminster has nine designated spots where your dog can be off-leash. The newest addition is at 260 Ross Drive.
After a muddy run through Moody Park or a morning at the Quayside dog area near the waterfront, you’ll need a groomer. Tiffany’s Grooming Salon has been caring for New West dogs since 1969 and has won “Best In New West” for over 12 years. Royal City PAWS on Columbia Street handles both vet visits and grooming. If you’re grabbing supplies before heading to the park, Bosley’s at Columbia Square has you covered with food, toys, and a self-serve dog wash. Our dogs are part of our family, so we’ve created this blog to help our community find the parks we use and the groomers we trust.
Public Off-Leash Dog Parks In New Westminster
Queen’s Park gives you a full acre in the southeast section, which features trees, hills, benches, and even a dog fountain. It has a separate fenced area for small or shy dogs, though you can open the gate to create one big space when everyone agrees.
Moody Park operates similarly, with a separate gate for small dogs, who receive their own area if needed. Hume Park has a large fenced enclosure on the upper level next to the ball diamond where dogs can run freely. Down by the waterfront, the Quayside dog park is small and fenced, perfect for a quick visit after grabbing coffee at the River Market.
Westburnco sits next to the sports courts, and the West Side dog park makes use of Ministry of Transportation land. There’s a temporary spot downtown at 68 Sixth Street between Agnes and Victoria if you’re in that area. The newest addition is at 260 Ross Drive, which the city has secured for a five-year lease in March 2025.
Note: All parks require your dog to have a City of New Westminster licence, and your dog needs to stay within your control when off-leash. Pick up after your dog, keep aggressive dogs out, and we all get to keep using these spots.
Private Dog Park Rentals in New Westminster
We all know that private dog park rentals are hard to come by within New Westminster itself. This city is dense, with limited yard space. Most hourly rental options sit in neighbouring Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, or Burnaby. Expect a 20-30 minute drive. Once there, you can rent a fenced backyard or field for $10 to $15 an hour with no other dogs around. We’d suggest checking the fencing carefully, though. Some spots listed as “fully enclosed” have gaps that clever escape artists exploit.
If you need something closer to home, Grimston Park and Hume Park both offer fenced, off-leash areas. They’re less busy on weekday mornings and late evenings. They’re not private, but they’re secure and right here in the city.
Grooming and Pet Care Services
Tiffany’s Grooming Salon on 12th Street has been caring for dogs in New Westminster since 1969, with over 55 years of experience and winner of “Best In New West” for more than 12 years running. They have a certified master groomer who has been at it since 1988, and they handle dogs of all sizes in a stress-free, spa-like environment, with hydraulic tables for larger and older pets.
Royal City PAWS on Columbia Street combines veterinary care and grooming in one spot, which is handy when you need both. Ayros Dog Grooming Salon on Twelfth Street focuses on creating a calm environment where your dog will get treated like royalty.
For quick touch-ups between full grooms or after a messy park visit, Zoomies Dog Daycare and Training Centre on Agnes Street offers à la carte grooming and dog wash services. If you prefer the DIY route, Bosley’s at Columbia Square has a self-serve dog wash; just grab your supplies and clean up your pup in one trip.
Pet Supply Stores and Retail Locations
New Westminster’s pet supply shops make it simple to grab everything you need before heading out for a fun-filled day to a local park! Bosley’s has two locations: one at Columbia Square on Columbia Street and another at Queensborough Landing on Boyd Street. Both carry solid selections of pet food, including raw diet options, treats, toys, and grooming supplies. The Queensborough Landing and Brewery District locations offer self-serve dog-washing stations, convenient after a muddy park visit, priced at $15 and including shampoo, towels, and treats. If you’re a senior, stop by on the last Thursday of the month for their discount.
Van Pet on McBride Boulevard is independently owned and specializes in natural, holistic pet foods. They’re tucked into a plaza near the bottom of the hill and are definitely worth the trip if you want something specific that the bigger chains don’t carry.
In Sapperton, Prefurred Pet Supply is a neighbourhood favourite for personalized service. It’s the kind of place where staff look forward to seeing you and your dog every visit.
For larger one-stop shopping trips, you’ll need to head to Burnaby, where there’s a PetSmart at Marine Way near Metrotown with grooming, training, and adoption services, or another at Station Square. Both are about 10-15 minutes by car from downtown New Westminster.
New Westminster Dog Park Regulations
Once you’ve got your supplies sorted, here are the ground rules to keep the park safe and fun for everyone.
Licences and Limits
All dogs in New Westminster must wear a current city licence tag on their collar, which you can renew through the city. There’s a hard limit of three dogs per household, so if you’re running a full crew, you’re already at max capacity.
Leash Laws
Keep your dog on a leash in all public areas except the seven designated fenced off-leash zones. Letting your dog off-leash anywhere else puts you at risk of a fine from Animal Services, who patrol the parks and trails regularly. The designated areas are Albert Crescent Park (downtown), Grimston Park, Hume Park, Queen’s Park, Moody Park, Sapperton Park, and the new Victoria Hill spot on Ross Drive.
Inside the Fenced Areas
Even when the leash comes off, your dog must stay under control, vicious dogs aren’t allowed in any fenced area, and aggressive dogs must be muzzled. If your dog shows aggression, remove them immediately. Fill in any holes they dig, and pick up after them; no one wants any surprises. Smoking isn’t permitted inside the fences or within 15 metres of them, and please keep excessive barking down out of respect for the neighbours.
Small Dog Areas
Queen’s Park and Moody Park both have separation gates that create dedicated spaces for small or shy dogs. Don’t cut through the small dog area as a shortcut, and only open the gate to create one large area if everyone using the small dog side agrees. Close the gate when you leave, even if you’re the last one out.
A Quick Tip for Downtown Walks
If you’re walking your dog through the Columbia Street corridor, there’s a dog relief station at the corner of Begbie and Columbia. It’s there to keep the sidewalks clean, so take advantage of it.
FAQ’s
Are dogs allowed in New Westminster neighbourhood parks?
Dogs are welcome in many New Westminster parks, though leash requirements apply in most locations. Areas such as Queen’s Park, Hume Park, and neighbourhood green spaces are shared with families, cyclists, and wildlife, which is why leash rules are enforced outside designated off-leash times or zones.
Are there seasonal restrictions for dogs in New Westminster parks?
Some parks may have temporary restrictions during maintenance periods, community events, or wildlife protection seasons. These changes are typically posted onsite and updated through the City of New Westminster’s parks notices, so checking signage before entering is always recommended.
Are dogs allowed near the river and waterfront?
Dogs are commonly walked along the waterfront on leash; however, conditions change with tides, weather, and foot traffic, so awareness is key. Some areas may look dog-friendly but aren’t ideal due to currents or slippery access points.
