Dog licenses are required for all dogs at six months and older, or within 30 days of residency in the County. Licenses are $15 a year for a spayed or neutered dog and $25 for a dog that is not spayed or neutered. Before a license can be issued, a dog must have a rabies vaccination at a veterinarian’s clinic. It is the owner’s responsibility to bring their rabies certificate and proof of spay or neuter with them.

Owners of unlicensed dogs may be fined up to $150 per dog.

Licenses are good for 1 calendar year and expire in December of each year.

Dog licenses can be purchased at the Sheriff’s Office, 1109 K Avenue in La Grande, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dog owners can have up to three adult dogs (not including puppies) on the premises at a time. If you have more than 3 adult dogs contact Animal Control to see if a Kennel License is required. A Kennel License is $50.

A license identifies your dog as yours. It shows everyone your dog is not a homeless stray and that you care enough to register your pet legally. Your dog’s data is kept on a computer. Should an officer or private party find your dog, you will be notified as soon as possible. If your dog is injured, sick, or impounded, Animal Control guarantees emergency or life-threatening treatment or stabilization of a sick or injured animal bearing a license tag. Local veterinarians are also more willing to invest in emergency treatment for a sick or injured animal bearing a license tag.

Restraint and the Law

Definitions:

“At Large”-means dogs off the premises of the owner and not under the control of either the owner or a person authorized by the owner.

“Under Control”-means the voice, signal or physical control so as to be restrained from approaching a bystander, from entering private property and from causing damage to property. An animal is presumed not to have been under control if injury, damage or trespass has occurred.

“Restraint”-means any dog secured by a leash or a lead under the control of a responsible person and obedient to the person’s commands or under competent voice control. Dogs in open pickup beds shall be restrained so as to prevent jumping or falling from the vehicle any time the vehicle is in motion on public roads at more than 25 MPH, or parked and unattended in a public area. This may include a dog box or crate.

Dog owners may be fined up to $150 per incident of violation.

Cats are not regulated or required to be under control.