Animals

The Tualatin Dog Park is located on the north side of the railroad trestle at Tualatin Community Park at 8515 SW Tualatin Road. Learn more about the park.

Animal Waste
Any solid waste left by an animal on another’s property must immediately be removed. Animal waste on private property must remain at a minimum and not become a nuisance or health hazard. Properly dispose of animals waste in a trash receptacle and do not pile it or wash it into nearby storm drains. (TMC 6-4.045)

Leash
All animals must be restrained at all times when off of private property. Leashes are required for all city parks and schools. Animals must be kept on private property and kept from running loose or entering into neighboring yards. This includes dogs, cats, rabbits and other household pets. (TMC 6-4.040)

Licensing
All dogs must be licensed with their county at 6 months of age, or when they have permanent canine teeth, or within 30 days of acquisition or within 30 days of moving. A license is required even if the dog is always on the owner's property, always indoors or lives on a farm.

Noise
It is a violation for a dog (or other animal) to disturb the peace, comfort, or health of any person of reasonable sensitivity by making loud, long, unnecessary and continuous noises. Barking more than 5 minutes within any 15 minute interval is considered excessive.

• Washington County Code 6.04.080 Failure to prevent acts of nuisance prohibited.
• It is a civil infraction for any person to be the keeper of a dog, which the person fails to prevent from being a public nuisance by: I. Disturbing the peace, comfort, health or repose of any person of reasonable sensitivity by making loud, long, unnecessary and continuous noises.
• Tualatin Municipal Code 6-1.210 (4) Unnecessary Noise.
• No person shall create, assist in creating or permit the continuance of unreasonable noise in the City of Tualatin. "Unreasonable noise" includes but is not limited to:(a) Keeping an animal which by loud and frequent or continued noise disturbs the comfort and repose of persons in the vicinity.

Lost and Found
If you have lost or found a pet please call the non-emergency number 503.629.0111 to notify police. Any vet should be able to check for a chip in a found pet. Contact your county animal services and local area shelters. Check for lost pets or post found pets at PetHarbor.com.  Hand deliver flyers to neighboring residents or post on the community mailbox. Do not post signs on traffic signs, light poles, utility poles or at intersections.

Stray Cats
Stray or feral cats can be taken to your local shelter. There may be a fee for each one brought in. If you live in a multiple family housing area the cat may need to be brought in by the property manager or HOA. Traps can be purchased at your local hardware stores.

Chickens
Chickens, turkeys, roosters or other fowl are not permitted on property within the city limits except for a small area of properties located North of Hazelbrook Rd.

FAQ

How do I make a complaint?
If it’s a rare noise occurrence that is happening after 10pm you can call the Police Non-Emergency number at 503.629.0111. To make a complaint about ongoing barking, licensing, neglect or other animal concerns contact your county animal services.

Can I make a complaint anonymously? 
A complainant is needed unless the violation is observed by the responding agency. The complainant is the witness to the activity and may be needed for court proceedings, questions, follow up or reports.

Who picks up a found or loose dog?
Contact your county animal services.

What if it’s my roommates dog that’s barking?
Along with the animal owner, if you are home with the animal at the time, have let the dog out off leash or allow its barking you can be issued the citation since it’s in your control at the time.

Will I get in trouble for putting my neighbor’s dog waste back on their property?
Purposely putting animal waste on a neighboring property can result in Criminal Mischief 3 charges. Talk with the neighbor, change the landscaping, fence off the area or utilize the Dispute Resolution Center.

How do I keep animals off my property?
There are creative landscaping changes that can deter animals from entering your yard.  Sometimes a small hedge, retaining wall, fence or barbed plants can deter animals from entering the yard. This also gives animal owners the subliminal reminder that it is private property and not to allow their animal in the area.

What are the fines for violations?
Fines can be up to $500 per occurrence.

Did You Know…
The Beaverton Dispute Resolution Center offers mediation services for Tigard, Tualatin, and Sherwood.

Supporting Documents

Animal Brochure

Web Links

Washington County Animal Services 503.846.7041Dispute Resolution Center 503.526.2523Clackamas County Animal Services 503.722.6519Agency LinksArea SheltersDog Park ListPet HarborTualatin Community Park