Dog Licenses and Laws

yellow banner with cartoon dog that says "take the lead, tag your pup!"

All dogs in Clackamas County must be licensed

County residents must purchase dog licenses from Clackamas County Dog Services, except residents of Happy Valley and Lake Oswego (who must purchase a license from their city) and Tualatin (who must purchase a dog license from Washington County). 

A dog owner must license a dog:

  • When the dog is 6 months of age or grows its permanent canine teeth, whichever comes first;
  • Within 30 days of becoming owner or keeper, or 
  • Within 30 days of moving to the county.

Contact us at 503-655-8628 or doglicensing@clackamas.us if you have any questions.

How to buy a Clackamas County dog license

Step 1: Gather the following documents and information

  • dog information (name, age, color, breed)
  • the name of your dog's veterinarian
  • current rabies certificate with vaccination and expiration date
  • proof of spay or neuter (if applicable)
  • method of payment
License time periodSpayed/neutered dogFertile dog

1 year

$30

$50

3 years

$90

$150

Replacement tag

$5


Step 2: Use one of the following methods to buy the license

There are three ways to buy a Clackamas County dog license.

Order online
You must have a current rabies vaccine. It may take 4-6 weeks to receive your tag. 

In person

  • Purchase a license at the office of a participating local veterinarian 
  • Purchase a license from us during business hours at Clackamas County Dog Services,13141 SE Hwy 212, Clackamas

By mail

  • Print the application and mail it and your current rabies certificate and proof of spay or neuter (if applicable) and check or money order to:

    Clackamas County 
    DTD Administration (MS-1)
    150 Beavercreek Road
    Oregon City, OR 97045

Benefits of licensing

In addition to meeting the requirements of the law, dog licenses benefit neighborhoods, pet owners and animals. These benefits include:

Finding your dog faster

  • Lost dogs are quickly reunited with their owners. A license tells everyone that your dog is not a homeless stray.  
  • Maintaining an active license allows a Dog Services officer to return your dog to your home and provides for a longer hold time for your dog at the shelter before we start looking for a new home for the dog.
  • If your dog ends up at our shelter, the first impound fee of $65 will be waived (daily boarding fee would still apply). Subsequent impound fees would apply if your dog is brought to our shelter again within 12 months.

Licensing fees provide support for all county dogs, including:

  • Helping to pay for the care of homeless animals while we find them adoptable homes.
  • Providing emergency medical care for dogs found injured.
  • Providing resources so the county can protect neighborhoods from dangerous dogs and investigate dog bite incidents, animal cruelty, abuse, abandonment and neglect.

Special circumstances

  • If you no longer own your dog, you can update the license online
  • Dog licenses are non-refundable and non-transferable. 
  • Did you get a new puppy?  We offer a free puppy tag when the dog is less than six months old.  Reach out to us to learn more.
  • Do you have four or more dogs? Then you may want to save money by purchasing a multiple dog license.

Phone:503-655-8628
Fax:503-557-2829

13141 SE Hwy 212 Clackamas, OR 97015

Office Hours:

Adoption Hours:
Tuesday to Friday
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Administrative Office Hours:
Monday to Friday
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(Closed from noon to 1 p.m.)

Email:
General
dogcontrol@clackamas.us
Licensing
doglicensing@clackamas.us
Lost/Found
dogshelter@clackamas.us