Keep Portland's off-leash areas healthy and fun for play by knowing and following Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA) rules of use.
Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA) Rules
Dogs Must:
- Always stay on-leash outside the off-leash area.
- When off-leash, stay within the off-leash area. No off-leash dogs are allowed in playgrounds, picnic areas, sports fields, or natural areas.
- Display tags showing proof of current license and rabies vaccination.
- Demonstrate appropriate social interaction.
Handlers Must:
- Pick up and dispose of your dog's waste in the appropriate receptacle. (For more details on leash scoop laws, click here.)
- Carry a leash for each dog in your care.
- Closely supervise young children.
- Accept responsibility for any damage or injury caused by your dog.
- Remain in the off-leash area to supervise your pets. Keep your pets within view and under verbal control at all times.
- Bring no more than three dogs to the off-leash area at any time.
- To prevent injury, remove pinch or choke collars when playing off-leash.
- For health and safety reasons, do not bring a dog in heat to a Portland park.
- For health and safety reasons, do not bring a dog without a complete cycle of vaccinations to a Portland park.
- Comply with all other park rules.
- Not carry food or eat food inside fenced DOLAs, as it can trigger unwanted dog activity.
- Be considerate of park neighbors by playing quietly with dogs in the early morning and evening hours.
- Leash and immediately remove from the DOLA any dogs displaying aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs.
Portland law requires dogs to be on a leash at all times while in the park, unless in a designated off-leash area during designated off-leash hours. Dogs must be leashed prior to entering, and upon leaving, the off-leash area, and must stay within the boundaries. Owners must carry a leash and always be in control of their dogs, on-leash or off-leash. Owners must control their dog's aggressive behavior or excessive barking; owners are liable for damage or injury inflicted by their dog.
Dog waste must be collected and disposed of every time. Dog waste left in the park is a leading complaint about dogs parks and it is extremely unpleasant and unwelcomed. Dog waste poses a threat to other dogs in the park and humans. Dog waste can be responsible for the transmission of bacteria (campylobacter and salmonella) and parasites (roundworms, hookworms and giardia). Roundworms (Toxocara canis) are present in dog waste and could potentially pose serious health risks to humans, particularly children.
Unleashed dogs are never allowed in playgrounds, natural areas, and gardens or on trails and pathways.
No dogs, leashed or unleashed, are allowed in:
- Sports courts, running tracks, or sports fields (artificial and manicured turf)
- Fountains, lakes, ponds, or streams
- Fenced sports facilities, including the Williams V. Owens complex at Delta Park
Dogs must never be allowed to chase or harm wildlife. This includes squirrels, ducks, rabbits, birds, and other animals.
No digging is allowed. Holes create dangerous trip hazards.
Make sure your dog is well behaved. Train your dog not to jump on people, even if they are just being friendly.