Off-Leash with Permission Program

If you are a dog owner, the Neighborhood Services Division of the Rockville City Police Department reminds you that your dog must be leashed or restrained whenever it is off your property, unless you and your dog have passed the city’s Off-Leash with Permission Program.

The Rockville City Code requires that all dogs and owners successfully complete a test before the dog may be walked without a leash in the city. Dogs and owners must be recertified each year. There is no charge for recertification. Any dog that participates in the Off-Leash with Permission Program test must have a current Rockville pet license.

Note: Pursuant to Section 3-21(1) of the Rockville City Code, dogs must remain on-leash in all City of Rockville parks, except in designated off-leash areas where they are under the supervision of an owner who is always within sight and sound of the dog. These designated areas include the dog parks at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park, RedGate Park, and Preserve Parkway. The Off-Leash with Permission Program does not allow certified dogs to be off-leash within city parks outside of these designated areas.

Testing Details

The two-part test will be administered to any currently licensed dog and any family member designated by the owner as the handler. Although both tests are taken off-leash, handlers must bring their dogs into the testing area on a leash.

In the first half of the test, the dog must obey several basic commands, such as sit, down, and stay. In the second half of the test, the handler must demonstrate that the dog can walk in a designated area off-leash without negatively reacting to several distractions.

Testing Sessions

Preregistration is required by calling 240-314-8937. The cost is $5 per dog, regardless of the number of handlers. The dog will receive a certificate and a collar tag. The collar tag must be worn at all times as proof of certification.

Testing will be offered at 10 a.m. in the outdoor pool parking lot at the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center on the following dates:

• Saturday, March 15, 2025
• Saturday, May 17, 2025
• Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025
• Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025

Alternate Certification

Residents may present the Neighborhood Services Division with a copy of an American Kennel Club Companion Dog (CD) or Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) certificate earned by their dog. The dog will receive a certificate and collar tag for $5 and is not required to take the Off-Leash with Permission Program test.