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Multnomah County, OR Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue Permits (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Trigger
10+ animals plus donations
Requirement
license from enforcing agency
Recordkeeping
intake photo within 24 hours
Max penalty
$500 per violation
Coverage
unincorporated county only

Summary

Any rescue or sanctuary in unincorporated Multnomah County, wildlife rescues included, that keeps 10 or more animals and solicits donations must get an enforcing-agency license and keep detailed intake records on every animal.

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

Any animal rescue entity shall comply with all of the following recordkeeping requirements: ... A photograph of the animal taken within 24 hours of intake by the animal rescue entity. ... An animal rescue entity shall comply with the following licensing requirements: (1) The entity shall obtain a license issued by the enforcing agency in accordance with ORS 609.415 and any rules or policies adopted by the enforcing agency.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Multnomah County Code defines an ANIMAL RESCUE ENTITY broadly as any individual or organization, including an animal sanctuary, that keeps, houses, and maintains custody of 10 or more animals (the code defines ANIMAL as any nonhuman vertebrate, so this reaches wildlife rehab operations, not just pet rescues) and solicits or accepts donations. Once that threshold is met, the entity must obtain a license from the county's enforcing agency under ORS 609.415, pay the license fee, and maintain a record for each animal covering intake date, source, disposition, and a photograph taken within 24 hours of intake. This applies only in unincorporated county territory. Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview and Wood Village run their own codes.

Violations & Fines

Civil penalty of up to $500 per violation; the county may also revoke the entity's license and impound every animal in its control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a small home wildlife rescue need this license?
No. The license and recordkeeping duties only apply once an entity holds 10 or more animals in custody and solicits or accepts donations.
Does this rule cover a wildlife rescue in Portland?
No. Portland runs its own municipal code; this Multnomah County chapter governs only unincorporated areas of the county.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Multnomah County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursFew RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningLight RestrictionsPet LimitsSignificant RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsLight RestrictionsBeekeepingFew RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only RuleSome RestrictionsWater Use Rules: Recycled Water RulesSome RestrictionsDrone Rules: Recreational DronesSome Restrictions

All Multnomah County rules

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

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Wildlife Rescue Permits in Cities Across Multnomah County

Portland, ORGresham, OR