Dog Policy

This page provides more information about off-leash areas, locations of dog waste bins and dogs on the beach.

Within built-up areas, all dogs must be leashed. There are some exceptions to this. Four different areas can be distinguished:

  1. Areas where dogs are allowed to run loose; 
  2. Areas where dogs may run loose, with a maximum of four loose dogs per handler;
  3. Areas where dogs may run loose, with a maximum of four loose dogs per handler, excluding the breeding season. 
  4. Areas where dogs are not allowed (read below).

Also in these areas, dogs are always on a leash on the bike paths! In some of the designated off-leash areas there are also combined bicycle-walking paths. Unleashed dogs pose a danger to cyclists. Unleashed dogs are absolutely prohibited on the bicycle paths for this reason.

Dog nuisance

Are you experiencing nuisance from dogs? For example, a biting incident? Then report it to the municipality and report it to the police. 

Off-leash areas

There are special off-leash areas for dogs. Here dogs do not have to be leashed except on the bike paths:

  • The beach (except between posts HP 91.50 and 92.75)
  • Park De Wittenburg (see Map)

In addition to the off-leash areas, there are areas where dogs are allowed to run loose (except on bike paths), with the restriction that the number of dogs running loose per handler is set at a maximum of 4;

  • Park De Paauw;
  • Forest strip at Spruce Lane;
  • The field at Park Avenue (near Alderman Huibregts School), enclosed by Burman Avenue/Clematis Avenue/Violierenweg and Park Avenue;
  • Part of the Berkheiveld, enclosed by Storm van ´s Gravesandeweg/Kerkhoflaan/ Sophiekehuis/Luciehof/Berkheistraat, next to the market area;
  • Forest strip between Katwijkseweg and the Duinrell site;
  • The paths/dikes around Weteringbos I and II. As for Weteringbos II up to the dam due to the petting zoo and children's play area;
  • Footpath along the Zijlwatering located between Hofcampweg and Zuidwijklaan;
  • Footpath along the Zijlwatering located behind the homes Van Duivenvoordelaan between Van Groeneveltlaan and Bellesteijnlaan;
  • A section of the walking trail in the Kerkehout neighborhood, from the little bridge by the allotments to Verlengde Wittelaan;
  • Fairgrounds on Mansvelt Quay (except for pedestrian field and at the time of events);

On Backershagen Estate, in addition to the above restriction (maximum of 4 unleashed dogs per handler), all dogs must be leashed during the breeding season from March 1 to August 1.

Places where dogs are not allowed

  • In a children's playground, sandbox or playing field that is open to the public and apparently designated as such;
  • In the Princess Garden in park De Paauw;
  • Persijnhof Cemetery;
  • In Landgoed de Horsten;
  • Special rules apply to the beach. 

Leashing of dogs

  • The owner or keeper of a dog is prohibited from allowing that dog to stay or walk on the road without being leashed.
  • The owner or keeper of a dog is prohibited from allowing that dog to remain in a children's playground, sandbox or playing field that is open to the public and apparently furnished as such, or any other area designated by the Municipal Executive. (See above mentioned off-leash areas).
  • The prohibition referred to in subsections 1 and 2 does not apply to the extent that the owner or keeper of a dog is accompanied by a guide dog because of his disability and the dog is demonstrably qualified as such or if an owner or keeper of a dog is demonstrably qualified to train it as a guide dog.

Special area for dogs on the beach

A special section of the beach is reserved for dog owners who want to walk their dogs along the beach during the day. You can reach this part via the beach exit between beach posts 91 and 92. From this beach exit to the border with Katwijk dogs are allowed and may also run free. From the parking lot the Kuil the dog walking route is indicated. Walk in the direction of Katwijk. The first beach entrance (up). If you are on the beach the dog is allowed to run loose in the direction of Katwijk.

It is also allowed on the beach to walk behind the beach tents to the part of the beach where dogs are allowed on the beach. If you want to walk with your dog in the direction of Schevening, follow the paved path. Past the sailing school, dogs are allowed off the beach and at the waterline. It is forbidden to walk with dogs on a leash or off the leash past the beach bars.

Outside the summer season (May 15 through September 15), the rules do not apply and dogs are allowed everywhere.

Read more in the leaflet Dogs on the Beach.

Other rules and regulations in the dunes

  • Use the trash cans on the beach so the beach stays clean. In summer, the trash cans are emptied daily.
  • Swimming in the sea is only allowed without air mattresses, boat or other floating objects.
  • Coastal sailing and windsurfing (plank sailing) may only be practiced by members of the Coastal Sailing Association Wassenaar and Windsurfing Association Allround. Members of similar associations elsewhere may obtain temporary membership, provided they are sufficiently competent.
  • Vehicles and vessels are not allowed on the beach.

Rules in the dunes

By treating our natural areas carefully and sparingly, we protect nature and water extraction. That is why Dunea has drawn up access conditions. View all rules and access conditions on the Dunea website. 

Cleaning up dog waste

Dog poop must always be cleaned up and the owner must carry a cleanup device. This rule also applies in the 12 designated off-leash areas. In order to promote and support compliance with this rule, the municipality has installed dog poop bins in numerous locations, often also equipped with bags. You can download an overview of dog waste bin locations.

Documents