Barking dog rules in Portland, OR — also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances — define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.
Barking dog complaints in Portland are handled by Multnomah County Animal Services, not the City of Portland. Under Multnomah County Code (MCC) Chapter 13.018, a dog that disturbs the peace by repeated or persistent barking is a public nuisance, and the county can issue civil citations to the owner after a documented complaint and warning.
By intergovernmental agreement, Multnomah County Animal Services is the sole animal-control authority within the City of Portland. MCC 13.018 defines a public nuisance dog to include any dog that 'disturbs any person of reasonable sensitivity by frequent or prolonged noises.' To file a complaint, residents call Multnomah County Animal Services or use the online complaint form at multco.us/animal-services. The county requires the complainant to keep a barking log (date, time, duration of episodes) and is typically willing to act after two or more separate households complain or a log shows a persistent pattern over 7-14 days. First-step enforcement is a written warning letter to the dog owner. If barking continues, Animal Services may issue a civil infraction citation under MCC 13.018, typically $150 for a first offense and escalating for repeat violations, with mandatory mediation offered through the Resolutions Northwest neighborhood mediation program. Severe or repeat cases can lead to a 'potentially dangerous dog' designation or, rarely, a court order to remove the dog. The Portland Police Bureau does not respond to routine barking complaints. PCC Title 18 (Noise Control) explicitly defers animal noise to Multnomah County.
Civil infraction citation under MCC 13.018 — typically $150 for a first violation, with higher amounts for subsequent citations. Continued violations after citation may lead to mandatory mediation, license revocation, or in extreme cases a court-ordered abatement. Owners may appeal citations to the Multnomah County Hearings Office.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Multnomah County.
See how other cities in Multnomah County handle barking dogs.
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