Licensing a dog in Portland and Multnomah County
Oregon leaves much of this to counties, and Multnomah County is one of the most active.
The license requirement
The Multnomah County Animal Services licensing page says Multnomah County Animal Services requires licenses so lost pets can be returned and field services can be funded. A county notice says every owned dog or cat must be licensed and that a current rabies vaccine is required for the license. The new license page lists vaccination options.
Enforcement and fines
According to a county notice on enforcement, an unlicensed dog or cat is a Class C violation of Multnomah County Code ยง 13.101 and carries a $100 fine for a first offense. The county resumed enforcement after a pandemic grace period.
Restraint on public property
The Multnomah County Code chapter 13 defines restraint on public property or in public areas as a leash, tether or other physical control device not to exceed eight feet, held by a capable person. Check the current code, since definitions get amended.
| Item | What the county says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| License | Required for owned dogs and cats | County pages |
| Rabies vaccine | Required to license | County pages |
| Unlicensed fine | $100 first offense | County notice |
| Restraint device | Not more than eight feet | County code |
Outside the county
Washington and Clackamas counties and rural areas set their own rules. Phone the animal services office that covers your address.
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