Animal Control Services

Whether lost or abandoned, when a dog is seen roaming City streets, Community Service Officers can be called to help. Officers will attempt to contain the dog and reduce its chance of running into traffic or getting further away from home should it have accidentally escaped. If identifying information ncan be obtained, Community Service Officers will then proceed to help reunify the dog with its owner. Resources at an officer’s disposal include technology to quickly scan for microchips and the ability to access the City’s dog licensing database to cross-check for a potential match.

To report dogs running at-large or to inquire about having a Community Service Officer scan for a microchip on a found dog, please contact us at (503) 783-3800.

Dogs that cannot be reunited with their owner are placed for shelter with our community partner, Clackamas Dog Services. The City’s partnership with Clackamas Dog Services allows officers the ability to access shelter for lost or abandoned dogs 24/7, ensuring safety, basic needs, and medical care are provided.

Noise-related animal nuisances:

If a dog is barking or howling incessantly or not within its normal nature, the noise is considered a nuisance. Community Service Officers highly encourage residents to initially address these types of noise concerns with their neighbors as a way to remedy any conflict directly. In many cases, the pet owner may simply not be aware there is a concern and will happily address the issue. Should a direct conversation not solve the matter, Community Service Officers may be able to assist. Please contact us at 503-783-3800 to initiate a formal complaint.

Pets trespassing on private property and/or depositing pet waste:

It is illegal for a pet owner to allow their animal to trespass on the private property of another. The same goes for allowing pet excrement to be left on someone’s private property. If someone’s pet is trespassing, causing property damage, and/or leaving solid pet waste on your private property, and you know who owns the animal, talk to them, and explain the problem. The owner may be willing and able to address it. If the owner does not address it, please contact us at 503-783-3800 to initiate a formal complaint.

Dogs at-large

Dogs can be unpredictable. That is why it is the dog owner’s responsibility to ensure their pup is always under control. Even the gentlest dogs can be spooked or go on the defensive if they perceive a threat. Not everyone feels comfortable around dogs, and it can be upsetting to be approached by one that is unfamiliar. For these reasons, it is the law in Happy Valley that dogs remain leashed in all public areas unless in one of the designated enclosed dog park areas located within Happy Valley Park.

Pet waste

Cleaning up after your dog is important. While this activity is not glamorous, it is crucial to keeping parks and neighborhoods tidy. It is also the law in Happy Valley. No one likes to step in pet waste and spread it into homes, cars, and businesses. Get in the habit of carrying disposable bags and discard them promptly in a garbage receptacle.

For more detailed information about animal nuisances and animal regulations, please review the provisions outlined in Happy Valley Municipal Code 6.04.030.

If a dog makes an unprovoked bite that causes bodily injury to another animal or person, it must be reported to the City of Happy Valley. Community Service Officers will take the report and follow up in accordance with Oregon State Law and Health Department. If a dog punctures the skin of a person, state law does require the dog be quarantined for 10 days. Community Service Officers may be required to seize a dog in specific instances and law enforcement may also become involved if a dog owner refuses to cooperate or there is reasonable concern for the dog’s health and/or care.  In cases involving dog bites, it is imperative that your dog’s license is up to date. Again, this ensures its rabies vaccination is up to date and that your contact information is current. For complete information about dog bites in the City, you are encouraged to review 6.04.030, 6.04.031, and 6.04.034 of the Happy Valley Municipal Code.

Split up into three sections in the south end of the Happy Valley Park, these areas provide ample space for a game of fetch as well as good old-fashioned exercise for dogs that need to burn some energy. Here are some points to remember:

• Dogs may run off-leash in these enclosed areas, but owners need to adhere to the signs indicating size of dog allowed. There is one for small dogs (up to 40 lbs.), one for big dogs, and one allowing for a combination.
• You are responsible for your dog’s behavior. When using the dog runs, pay attention to what’s going on and silence your phone or leave other distractions at home. Sometimes, dogs just don’t get along. If this looks to be the case, intervene early, and move to another space or exit altogether.
• Dogs MUST be on a leash and under the control of the owner in all other areas of the Park. With kids, cars, and a plethora of activities taking place throughout the year, safeguarding your pet’s whereabouts is key and, it’s the law.

Community Service Officers are responsible for investigating concerns related to animal mistreatment and abandonment within city limits. Officers will respond to complaints and determine if a concern is valid. If a violation of the City’s Municipal Code or State regulations has been committed, Community Service Officers are tasked with enforcement to ensure the safety and health of the animal. If a concern is determined to be criminal in nature, officers will alert Happy Valley Police Department for additional review and follow up.

Community Service Officers are trained to perform general first aid and CPR and that includes the specialized life-saving techniques performed on dogs. Officers are proud to possess this knowledge and will utilize it in the event they come across a dog that has been injured or in distress. As part of the City’s Parks and Recreation program listings, a pet first aid and CPR class may also be offered to City of Happy Valley residents. Should you want to learn these basic life saving techniques for the sake of your own pup, be sure to check out the Happy Valley Parks and Recreation class listings.

The City has specific rules and requirements when it comes to the ownership of such animals as chickens, roosters, cows, sheep, and goats. Animal runs, pens, cages, and the like must also meet specific sizing and adhere to minimum spacing distances. Livestock must additionally be always contained safely and securely. Owners of livestock or those interested in owning livestock are encouraged to review 6.04.050 and 06.04.60 of the Happy Valley Municipal Code.

For concerns related to non-domestic animals, such as coyotes, deer, racoons, and wild birds, Animal Control Services in the City are limited. In case of nuisance critters like squirrels, rats, mice, and raccoons, you will need to call a professional pest control agency for assistance and pay a fee for any treatment or removal of these unwanted guests. For concerns related to wild birds, such as hawks, eagles, or other local species, it is always best to contact an agency that specializes in their care. The Portland Audobon Society is a great resource to consult. When in doubt, residents are always welcome to contact a Community Service Officer to consult about what action might be best to take at (503) 783-3800.

Should you sight a coyote that appears ill or is loitering too close to a residence, or a mountain lion anywhere in the City, you are encouraged to contact us at the City. Community Service Officers work in partnership with Clackamas County to monitor and potentially trap these animals.  Simply call us at 503-783-3800 to make a report.

Keeping our City streets clean and clear of debris is important to the health and safety of everyone using them. If a deceased animal is found on a City managed street, please do not touch it. Notify a Community Service Officer by calling 503-783-3800 and ask to speak to someone on the team. Officers will work with the City’s Public Works team to facilitate removal.

Please understand that when an animal is found in a Clackamas County managed road, a Clackamas County worker will need to be contacted. The best way to do this is to complete a Report a Road Concern form online.  To find out the jurisdiction of a street, you can review the Happy Valley Zoning Map. Streets highlighted in blue are managed by the City of Happy Valley. All others are managed by Clackamas County. Please note: Roads such as Sunnyside, 172nd Ave., and SE 129th Ave. for example, are all managed by Clackamas County. 

Deceased animal removal, whether wild or domestic, is the responsibility of the property owner if found on private property. It is important to wear gloves and refrain from making direct contact with the carcass. Many wild animals, including birds, can carry diseases, so they must be handled with caution. Place the animal in a bag to create a barrier and dispose immediately in your garbage receptacle outside. If the animal is too large to remove on your own, you can contact a professional to assist you for a cost. An online search can help you locate a reputable company.