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Clackamas County, OR Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Hard numeric cap
None countywide
More than one dog
Multiple Dog License required
Requires
Vet or county care inspection
Code cite
CCC 5.01.030(A)(2)
Zoning caveat
Kennel land-use may apply

Summary

Clackamas County sets no hard cap on dogs, but owning more than one dog requires a Multiple Dog License, granted only after a veterinarian or county inspection confirms minimum-care standards are met. Zoning can further limit kennels; cities set their own pet limits.

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.

When an owner has more than one dog, the owner may obtain or renew a multiple dog license after submitting a completed, qualifying Multiple Dog License Application and after either 1) submitting an inspection certification from a veterinarian licensed in the state of Oregon; or 2) a County inspection of the applicant's premises to determine that the owner is in compliance with minimum care standards...

Full Breakdown

Under Clackamas County Code 5.01.030(A)(2), when an owner has more than one dog they may obtain a Multiple Dog License only after submitting a qualifying application plus either a veterinarian inspection certification or a county inspection confirming compliance with minimum-care standards (CCC 5.01.020(A)(21)). A multiple dog license may be denied for anyone under investigation or on probation for an animal-related crime. Issuance of the license does not by itself authorize a land use - applicants may need to show compliance with zoning or land-use restrictions (e.g., kennel rules). So the practical 'limit' is a licensing and zoning gate rather than a fixed maximum number. Cities within the county may impose their own numeric pet limits.

Violations & Fines

Keeping multiple dogs without the required Multiple Dog License is a violation of CCC 5.01, prosecuted under 5.01.070 and subject to fines, civil penalties and other restrictions imposed by a Hearings Officer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many dogs can I have in unincorporated Clackamas County?
There is no fixed cap, but owning more than one dog requires a Multiple Dog License, issued only after a veterinarian or county inspection confirms you meet minimum-care standards.
Can a multiple dog license be refused?
Yes. It can be denied for anyone under active investigation, prosecution, parole or probation for an animal-related crime, or where keeping animals would violate another law.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clackamas County

All Clackamas County rules

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

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