Are You a Dog Owner Looking to Comply With Portland's Laws and Regulations?
As a responsible dog owner in Portland, being aware of laws that govern pet ownership is essential. By familiarizing yourself with these dog laws, you can ensure the safety of your pets and the public.
How to Get a Dog License in Portland, Oregon?
Dog owners are required to license their dog within 30 days of obtaining the age of six months or within 30 days of obtaining residency in the county. These are valid for one, two, or three years from the date of issuance and require a rabies certificate. [1]
The license fee for a dog is $42, $77, and $107 for one, two, and three years, respectively. For a spayed female or neutered male dog with a veterinarian’s certificate of spaying or neutering, the license fee is $27, $47, and $62 for one, two, and three years, respectively. [2]
Senior citizens (65 and older) need to pay only 50%, and there’s a $10 late fee if not renewed on time. [1]
A pet license tag with a pet license number shall be securely displayed upon your dog at all times, except when your dog is confined to your premises.
Leash Laws in Portland, Oregon
Leash laws in Portland, Oregon, are in place to ensure the safety of dogs and the community. These laws regulate when and where dogs must be on a leash and outline the responsibilities of pet owners to control their animals in public spaces.
Dogs are generally required to be kept on a leash no longer than eight feet in all public spaces. [3]
Dog Off-Leash Area Rules in Portland
For those seeking fenced off-leash spaces, Portland offers several dog parks with specific rules and regulations. Dog owners should be aware of any posted rules and follow them accordingly. Some common rules for fenced off-leash spaces include the following:
- Limit the number of dogs to three in the Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA)
- Bring enough poo bags and leashes for each dog
- Show proof of license and vaccination by displaying tags
- Keep dogs leashed when entering and leaving the off-leash area
- Always keep dogs under control and within boundaries outside the off-leash area
- Train your dog not to jump on people and ensure they are well-behaved
- Owners are responsible for any damage or injury caused by their dogs
- Do not bring food into fenced DOLAs, as it can cause issues
- Do not allow your dog to dig, as it can cause damage and trip others [4]
Dog Owner Responsibilities in Portland, Oregon
As a dog owner in Portland, Oregon, you have some responsibilities to ensure that your pets and the public are safe. Following are some of the responsibilities:
- Provide shelter and sufficient food for normal growth
- Clean your dog’s shelter properly and dispose of excess waste and other contaminants
- Provide veterinary care when necessary to relieve illness, injury, or disease distress
- Ensure your dog does not consistently disturb the peace and quiet of an individual or a neighborhood with frequent barking or howling
- Dogs must be properly leashed and under your control when in public spaces, except in designated dog-friendly areas or inside your personal property. [5]
Consequences for Violating Dog Laws in Portland, Oregon
Dog owners in Portland, Oregon, must adhere to specific laws to ensure the safety and well-being of their pets and the community.
Failure to comply with these laws can result in fines and penalties that range from monetary fines to community service, reflecting the seriousness of the violation:
- Violating the leash law may result in a fine of up to $150
- Violating the scoop law could lead to a fine of $250 or 25 to 50 hours of community service
- Running your dog at large without provocation may result in a penalty ranging from $75 to $500
- Disturbing the peace by habitual barking, howling, or yelping may subject to a fine between $10 and $100
- If your dog assaults an individual, domestic animal, or public or private property, you could be fined $500 to $1000 and responsible for medical and veterinary expenses and other economic damages to the victim [6]
Have you been bitten by a dog in Oregon?
Contact Goldberg & Loren’s dog bite lawyers in Portland and they will use their knowledge of dog laws to protect your rights and fight for your compensation. Call for a free consultation today!
FAQs
Sources:
[1] Licensing Information- Multnomah County Animal Services. (n.d.). Multnomah County Animal Services. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from https://multco-web7-psh-files-usw2.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/county-attorney/documents/ch13.pdf
[2] Licensing Information- Multnomah County Animal Services. (n.d.). Multnomah County Animal Services. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from https://www.multcopets.org/licensing-information
[3] Licensing Information- Multnomah County Animal Services. (n.d.). Multnomah County Animal Services. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from https://www.multcopets.org/licensing-information
[4] Park Rules for Dogs. (n.d.). Portland.gov. https://www.portland.gov/parks/dogs#DOLARules
[5] Guidelines to Oregon Animal Statutes. (n.d.). Oregon Humane Society. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from https://www.oregonhumane.org/wp-content/uploads/guide_Oregon_statutes.pdf
[6] Code of Ordinances Chapter 5 Sec. 5-1. (n.d.). City of Portland. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/d6067614-40f0-4dae-9ff0-f927805cbf3b?cache=1800
