Snowmass Village is a dog friendly town, where dogs are welcome to play and socialize under proper supervision of their guardian. To keep our town dog friendly, it is required that pet owners take responsibility by acknowledging leash and play area regulations.
As part of the Town’s ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and enhance the quality of life for residents, visitors, and pets alike, the Town Council has adopted new ordinances updating leash laws. Effective October 2, 2023, Ordinances 2023-7 and 2023-10 introduce important changes to dog control requirements in our community.
Key Updates – Ordinance 2023-7 updates leash laws to allow dogs to be off-leash in some areas of the Town, as long as the dog is under the control of the owner. If a dog cannot meet the criteria outlined below, it must be leashed at all times.
Ordinance 2023-10 establishes mandatory leash zones in certain areas of the Town, where all dogs must remain on-leash. These zones include:
- Rim Trail Area
- Base Village Area
- Village Mall Area
- Snowmass Center Area
- Fanny Hill Area
- Elk Camp Restaurant Recreation Area
- Vista Trail
What Is Voice & Sight Control? Under Voice & Sight Control, dogs can be off leash in some areas, but the owner must ensure their dog meets the following criteria:
- The dog remains within a 10-foot circle of control.
- The dog must return immediately to the owner upon a single command.
- The dog must stay at the owner’s side, regardless of distractions.
- The dog must not charge, chase, or show aggression toward people, other dogs, wildlife, or livestock.
If your dog cannot meet these requirements, they must be leashed regardless of the area you are in.
Important Reminders:
- Leashing when Encountering Other Dogs: If your off-leash dog encounters another dog on a leash, please leash your dog or change direction to avoid any conflicts.
- Always Carry a Leash and Doggie Bags: It is mandatory for all dog owners to always carry a leash and waste disposal bags within the Town of Snowmass Village.
- Owner Responsibility: Regardless of your dog’s behavior, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of your pet and others around you. Failure to comply with these regulations, including failure to control your dog or clean up after them, may result in fines, impoundment, and/or court summons.
Mandatory Leash Areas – Dogs must be on a leash in the following designated areas:
- Snowmass Center
- Base Village
- Snowmass Mall
- Fanny Hill
- Elk Camp Restaurant Area
- South & North Rim Trails
- Vista Trail
Licensing and Vaccination – All dogs six months or older residing in Snowmass Village for more than 15 consecutive days must be licensed and vaccinated for rabies. The dog’s license must be renewed annually and displayed on the dog’s collar. License your dog online: pitkincounty.docupet.com/en_US/
Leave No Trace – Dog waste must be removed and properly disposed of by the dog’s owner or guardian. Dog waste can spread diseases and viruses, so it’s crucial to clean up after your pet. Waste disposal bags are available in Town parks, but owners should carry their own bags for disposal.
We encourage all pet owners to be responsible, respect these regulations, and help make Snowmass Village a safe and enjoyable place for everyone—including our four-legged friends!
For information on the updated leash laws, please visit the Town’s website at tosv.com/572/Leash-Law.
