Barking Dogs & Other Noise Nuisances

Barking Dog

Photo Credit: Tambako (Creative Commons on Flickr)

It is unlawful to permit any animal to unreasonably make a disturbance, such as repeated episodes of continuous noise lasting 10 minutes or episodes of intermittent noise lasting 30 minutes, providing someone did not intentionally provoke the animal other than the owner.

Steps for Solving:

  1. Try talking to the dog owner about the activities of their pet and what steps can be taken to resolve the problem. Sometimes pet owners are not aware of their pet's actions, especially when they are not at home.

  2. You may download our “Barking Dog Advice Guide” and barking dog letter to send to the dog’s owner. This guide and letter are designed to help your neighbor understand the problem and offer some ideas about correcting the barking dog problem.

  3. Neighborhood Mediation is another possible avenue for resolution. Sit down with a third party and talk about the issues. For Portland residents, you can contact Resolutions Northwest. For conflict resolution services in Fairview, Gresham, Troutdale, Wood Village, and East Multnomah County, you can contact East Metro Mediation.

  4. If the prior steps are unsuccessful or unavailable and the problem persists, you may file a formal complaint using the Animal Nuisance Complaint Form. The form must include the date and times of the violation  and must meet the guidelines set forth in chapter 13.305 B (5) of the ordinances, defined as a dog barking repeatedly for 10 minutes or intermittent episodes lasting a minimum 30 minutes. (The requirements are the same for other non-canine animal noises.)

    This form must either:

    A. Be signed by at least two other neighbors (3 people total)
    B. Or, if signed by one person, there must be an accompanying audio or videotape for the date and time of the alleged violation. This audio or videotape must meet the above listed requirements for a violation.

    An inability to substantiate a violation with documented date and times will result in no action by Multnomah County Animal Services.

  5. After you have completed the Animal Nuisance Complaint Form, you can:

    A. Bring it to MCAS at 1700 W. Columbia River Highway in Troutdale.
    B. Or you may mail it to MCAS, Attention: Legal Aide Officer, P.O. Box 698, Troutdale, OR 97060.

  6. To learn about what happens next, please see the “Notice of Infraction Process” web page.