Keep pets and people safe while out and about

#BonnieHays

After a rainy winter, many dog owners are looking forward to enjoying parks and other public places with their canine companions as the weather warms up!

If you plan to venture out with your furry friend, help keep people and other animals safe by following these Washington County requirements:

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. Be sure to 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!

For more information, please visit www.WashingtonCountyPets.com. The Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter is located at 1901 SE 24th Ave, Hillsboro. If you have a question for the animal shelter, email Stacy_Beckley@washingtoncountyor.gov