Why Do I Have to License My Dog?

The law to license dogs is mandated by the State of Oregon and is part of its rabies enforcement program. Fees collected by Columbia County for dog licensing are used to provide the county with a shelter for lost, stray and neglected dogs. The fee also helps to fund the Animal control Officer position, providing the county a staff member to respond to the numerous animal related complaints and other issues we receive each year. 

Read the Oregon Health Authority's Investigative Guidelines for animal bites and rabies →