Clackamas County, OR Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash limit
- 6 feet maximum for cats and dogs
- Waste duty
- Bag and bin in designated receptacle
- Leash-violation fine
- $97 under §6.06.050(J)(2)
- Waste-violation fine
- $140 under §6.06.050(J)(5)
- Buildings
- Only service animals allowed inside
Summary
Clackamas County requires cats, like dogs, to stay on a leash no longer than six feet whenever they're in a county park, and owners must bag and bin all pet waste. A ranger can order an unleashed or disruptive cat removed from the park, and violations carry $97 or $140 fines depending on the offense.
2. No dog or cat shall be brought into or kept in a park area unless confined or controlled on a maximum 6-foot long leash. A Park Employee may undertake, or require the person keeping the animal to take any measures, including removal of the animal from the park area, deemed necessary to prevent interference by the animal with the safety, comfort, and wellbeing of park area users, and the appearance or sanitary condition of the park area. No animals, other than service dogs for the disabled, shall be allowed in any park area building.
5. All animal fecal matter shall be put in a bag or container and left in a designated waste receptacle.
Full Breakdown
050(J)(2) treats cats the same as dogs in county parks: no cat may be brought into or kept in a park area unless confined or controlled on a leash no longer than six feet. If a cat interferes with the safety, comfort or wellbeing of other park visitors, or with the park's appearance or sanitary condition, a Park Employee can require the owner to take corrective measures, including removing the animal from the park entirely. Cats, other than trained service animals, are also barred from park buildings altogether.
Section (J)(5) adds a companion sanitation duty: any fecal matter left by a cat or other animal must be bagged or otherwise contained and deposited in a designated waste receptacle, not left on the trail or in a campsite. 060(A) to any cat owner who lets the animal off-leash or leaves its waste behind.
Violations & Fines
Bringing an unleashed cat into a county park, or controlling it on a leash longer than six feet, carries a $97 citation under § 6.06.050(J)(2). Failing to pick up and bin the cat's waste is a separate $140 violation under § 6.06.050(J)(5). Both fines double if unpaid and uncontested after twenty days, and repeated violations can result in the animal being ordered out of the park entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I let my cat roam off-leash at a Clackamas County park?
What's the fine for an unleashed cat in the park?
Can I bring my cat inside a park restroom or building?
Do I need to clean up after my cat in the park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clackamas County
Compare Clackamas County to another location·View the Oregon animal ordinances overview
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