Up to $150 fine for Portland dog owners with pups off leash in non-designated areas

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland is waiving its typical warning policy for off-leash dogs outside designated areas. Now, owners could face a $50 to $150 fine if caught with an unleashed pup in areas not designated as off-leash.

Previously, the city required a warning first before issuing a fine, a policy dating back to 2013. But Portland Parks and Recreation said that policy made leash requirements difficult to enforce.

“Dog off-leash issues are a top concern for many community members all across the city,” Portland Parks and Recreation said. “These policy changes will help keep our parks safe and clean for all park visitors, and make sure they are welcoming for everyone.”

The city requires dogs to always be on a leash, unless in a designated off-leash area. 

Portland park rangers still have the option to issue a warning, if it’s the first time a dog owners allows their dog to be off-leash not in a designated area. Rangers can also provide free leashes and “park-branded” poop bag holders. 

Currently, there are more than 30 off-leash dog areas in Portland, as well as several areas dogs are not allowed, including Tanner Springs Park, Whitaker Ponds Nature Park, Foster Floodplain Natural area and Mt. Tabor Park amphitheater. 

• Brentwood Park – Southeast 60th Avenue and Duke Street
• Chimney Park – 9360 North Columbia Boulevard 
• Cully Park – 5810 Northeast 77nd Avenue
• Gabriel Park – Southwest 45th Avenue and Vermont Street
• Luuwit View Park – Northeast 127th Avenue and Northeast Fremont Street
• Lynchwood Park – Southeast 170th Avenue and Haig Street
• Normandale Park – Northeast 57th Avenue and Halsey Street
• Parklane Park – Southeast 155th Avenue and Main Street
• Sacajawea Park – Northeast 75th and Roselawn Street
• The Fields Park – 1099 Northwest Overton Street
• Wallace Park – Northwest 25th Avenue and Raleigh Street
• Willamette Park – South Macadam Avenue and Nebraska Street

• Alberta Park – Northeast 22nd Avenue and Killingsworth Street
• Arbor Lodge Park – North Bryant Street and Delaware Avenue
• Argay Park – Northeast 141st Avenue and Failing Street
• Cathedral Park – North Edison Street and Pittsburg Avenue
• Cherry Park – Southeast 110th Avenue and Stephens Street
• Couch Park – Northwest 19th Avenue and Glisan Street
• Council Crest Park – Southwest Council Crest Drive
• Creston Park – Southeast 44th Avenue and Powell Boulevard 
• East Holladay Park – 12999 Northeast Holladay Street
• Fernhill Park – Northeast 37th Avenue and Ainsworth Street
• Frazer Park – Northeast 52nd Avenue and Hassalo Street
• Grant Park – Northeast 33rd Avenue and US Grant Place 
• Hillsdale Park – Southwest 27th Avenue and Hillsdale Highway
• Irving Park – Northeast 7th Avenue and Fremont Street
• Laurelhurst Park – Northwest Corner of Southeast César East Chávez Boulevard and Stark Street
• Lents Park – Southeast 92nd Avenue and Holgate Boulevard 
• Mt. Tabor Park – Southeast 60th Avenue and Salmon Street
• Overlook Park – North Fremont Street and Interstate Avenue 
• Portland International Raceway – 1940 North Victory Boulevard
• Sellwood Riverfront Park – Southeast Spokane Street and Oaks Parkway
• Sewallcrest Park – Southeast 31st Avenue and Market Street
• Wilshire Park – Northeast 33rd Avenue and Skidmore Street
• Woodstock Park – Southeast 47the Avenue and Steele Street