Interim Dogs Policy

Dogs on Club Outings

The Island Mountain Ramblers is a member of the  FMCBC, and this policy complies with their January 2026 policy.

The Island Mountain Ramblers recognizes that some members enjoy hiking with dogs and that dogs may be appropriate participants on some club outings. At the same time, the presence of dogs may affect trip safety, group dynamics, wildlife, access agreements, land managers, and other trail users. These considerations must be taken into account when determining whether dogs are suitable for a particular outing.

Dogs are not covered under the Federation of Mountain Clubs of British Columbia (FMCBC) insurance program. Dog owners are responsible for their dogs, their dog’s behaviour, and for ensuring that they comply with this policy, applicable laws and regulations, and any requirements established by the trip leader.

Club Policy

Dogs may attend an Island Mountain Ramblers outing when:

    • the trip description states that dogs may be permitted, or the leader has given specific permission;
    • the trip leader has approved the dog in advance;
    • the member provides the trip leader with their completed Dog-Owner Acknowledgement Statement
    • the dog is determined suitable for the route, terrain, distance, weather, group size, and expected conditions;
    • the dog is under control at all times;
    • the dog owner accepts full responsibility for the dog’s behaviour, safety, care, waste, and impact on others.

Trip leaders have the final decision on dog participation.  Some examples include terrain, wildlife concerns, park or land-use restrictions, group size, transportation, safety, or the nature of the outing.

Approval for one outing does not create approval for future outings.

Owner Responsibilities

Members who bring a dog must:

    • connect the trip leader when signing up with a dog;
    • send a completed Dog-Owner Acknowledgement Statement to the leader (screenshot of, or forward completed copy)
    • comply with all park, trail, land manager, and legal requirements;
    • carry a leash and use it whenever required or requested;
    • prevent the dog from disturbing wildlife, livestock, other hikers, or other dogs;
    • clean up and pack out dog waste where appropriate;
    • carry sufficient food, water, and gear for the dog;
    • be prepared to turn back if the dog becomes a concern for the group, the leader, or the outing.

Dogs must not interfere with the safe and enjoyable participation of others. Dogs are not covered by FMCBC insurance. Any dog-related incident is the responsibility of the dog owner and their homeowner’s or tenant’s insurance.

Service Dogs

Members who use a guide or service dog should contact the trip leader in advance so that the leader can consider the outing requirements, safety, and accommodation needs.

FMCBC Guidance

The Island Mountain Ramblers is a member club of the Federation of Mountain Clubs of British Columbia. Members and trip leaders are encouraged to review the FMCBC’s dog-related guidance and policy materials.