Help keep pets and people safe this spring: Heed these county requirements

Help keep pets and people safe this spring: Heed these county requirements

Many dog owners are looking forward to enjoying parks and other public spaces with their canine companions as the weather warms up.

As you venture out with your furry friend, help keep people and other animals safe by following the Washington County requirements listed below. Following these county codes is not just the considerate, neighborly thing to do, but you could be ticketed if you are caught not complying with them.

  • Keep your dog on a leash seven feet or shorter when not in a designated off-leash area. Your dog may be friendly, but people may be uncomfortable with a loose dog in their space. Additionally, some leashed dogs are reactive to unleashed dogs approaching them.
  • Clean up after your pet. Pet waste is unpleasant to step in and can contain parasites or bacteria that can be harmful to both animals and people. Scoop that poop and put it in a garbage can. Pet waste should never be tossed into a storm drain, recycling bin, or compost pile that is not specifically set up for animal waste.
  • Keep your dog’s license current. All dogs six months and older must be licensed in Washington County, and a current rabies vaccine is required for the license to be valid. You can license your dog in person, online, by mail or over the phone. Check our website or call us at 503-846-7041 for information.

Thank you for being a kind and responsible dog owner while enjoying Washington County!

 

To learn more about our services, visit: www.WashingtonCountyPets.com .