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Clackamas County, OR Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Applies where
Unincorporated county
'Dog at large' means
Off property, not under control
Nuisance rule
CCC 5.01.040(B)(1)
Runs program
Clackamas County Dog Services
State authority
ORS 203.035; 609.015

Summary

In unincorporated Clackamas County a dog off its owner's property must be under the immediate control of a person. A 'dog at large' is a public nuisance and may be impounded. Cities like Oregon City, Lake Oswego and Milwaukie set their own leash rules.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Clackamas County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

It is unlawful to permit a dog to be a public nuisance. A dog is a public nuisance if it: ... Is a dog at large. ... DOG AT LARGE means a dog that is off or outside the dog owner's property and not under the immediate control of a person.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Clackamas County Code Title 5 (Dog Services) defines a 'dog at large' as a dog that is off or outside the owner's property and not under the immediate control of a person (CCC 5.01.020(A)(8)). Under CCC 5.01.040(B)(1) it is unlawful to permit a dog to be a public nuisance, which includes being a dog at large, chasing a vehicle, damaging property or scattering garbage off the owner's property. The county's authority stems from ORS 203.035, 609.015 and 609.135. Dog Services (503-655-8628) enforces countywide in unincorporated areas; inside incorporated cities the municipal leash ordinance governs and may be stricter.

Violations & Fines

A public-nuisance violation is enforced by a Dog Services Officer citation and adjudicated by a Hearings Officer, who may impose fines, fees, costs and conditions; each day a continuing violation persists is a separate violation, and unpaid amounts become a

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my dog have to be leashed everywhere?
Off your own property your dog must be under the immediate control of a person; a dog at large is a public nuisance. Cities like Lake Oswego and Milwaukie add their own leash ordinances.
Who enforces dog rules in the county?
Clackamas County Dog Services (503-655-8628) handles at-large, aggressive, bite and nuisance-dog reports in unincorporated areas; violations go before a Hearings Officer.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clackamas County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsBird ProtectionHeavy RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions

All Clackamas County rules

Compare Clackamas County to another location·View the Oregon animal ordinances overview

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