Animal Services

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Animal Control FAQs

Dog Regulations in Deschutes County

You can find the most up-to-date pet regulations on the Deschutes County website.

Does the County Have a Leash Law?

Not exactly. Deschutes County enforces an “At Large” ordinance rather than a leash law.

• At Large means a dog is off the owner’s property and not under the complete control of a capable person.
• Dogs trained to be off-leash are allowed, but they must remain under the handler’s control at all times.

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Dog Bites & Public Safety

What should I do if I’m bitten by a dog?

• Get medical attention right away.
• Report the bite to comply with Oregon law and to help prevent the spread of disease.
• Reporting also ensures accountability for owners of dangerous dogs.
• Related Oregon Administrative Rules: 333-019-0024 & 333-019-0027.

What happens to a dog that bites someone?

• Oregon law requires a 10-day quarantine if a dog punctures a person’s skin.
• During this time, the dog must be kept away from people and other animals.
• If the dog becomes ill or dies, it must be reported to the County Health Department immediately.
• If the owner can responsibly quarantine the dog, it may stay at home. Otherwise, it will be housed at the Humane Society.

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Dogs and Livestock

What if a dog attacks livestock?

• Covered under Deschutes County Code 6.12.
• Animal Control responds immediately to protect livestock and impound the attacking dogs.
• In most cases, dogs that chase or kill livestock are impounded.
• If the owner requests a hearing, a Board decides the outcome for the animal.

What does “open range” mean?

• Oregon is an open range state, meaning livestock may legally roam unless you live in a designated livestock district.
• Landowners are responsible for fencing their property to keep livestock out.
• In livestock districts, animals at large are restricted. View the Livestock District Map for boundaries in Deschutes County.
• For lost or found livestock, contact the Oregon Brand Inspector (website and phone numbers available below).

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Lost Pets

What should I do if my pet runs away?

1. Check our Lost Animals page.
2. Call (541) 923-0882 ext. 200 for a list of incoming strays.
3. Look for stray reports in the Bend Bulletin.
4. Contact your local shelter:
   • Humane Society of Central Oregon – Bend, Sunriver, La Pine
   • BrightSide Animal Center – Sisters, Redmond, Terrebonne