Portland and Pets

Dog Fancy Ranks Portland Number One City

Dog Fancy magazine (October 2006 issue) gave the top ranking to Portland as the best all-around city for dogs in America.

According to Dog Fancy, there are 136,332 dogs living in Portland, which the Census Bureau says has a human population of 554,130. With Forest Park and 33 city-maintained parks with off-leash areas, Portland is "one giant dog paradise."

From the annual Doggie Dash to the Pug Crawl fund-raiser for the Oregon Humane Society, Portland offers a host of activities for our furry friends. The magazine points out that doggie day care businesses are opening faster than Starbucks stores.

Other top cities for dogs include Sanford, Florida; Albuquerque, New Mexico; San Diego, California; Bellingham, Washington; Palo Alto, California; and New York City, which is home to 1.5 million dogs.

In 2003 The Purina Pet Institute did an extensive survey of U.S. cities with the healthiest pets and rated Portland third.

Portland also Loves Cats  Portland, clearly, loves dogs. On any day, rain or shine, owners all over the city can be seen taking their four-footed friends for a stroll. Cats are less visible. But the city loves them as well, prompting a national cat-support group to include Portland in its list of the top 10 cat-friendly cities in the country. The Catalyst Council picked Portland for the number four spot behind Tampa, Phoenix and San Francisco based on the number of vets and veterinary hospitals in the city along with the cat population − estimated at 700,000 in the metro area.

Portland Off-Leash Dog Parks

Portland rank first in the country with 5.8 dog parks per 100,000 residents − Portland has 32 off-leash areas. Five are fenced, all-day areas. The remaining are unfenced, with seasonal hours compatible with traditional park use patterns and adjacent uses. Boundary markers are in place at the unfenced sites. There are signs in each off-leash area with maps, rules, and a place to post notices. Users are asked to bring their own scoop bags.

Visit the off-leash dog parks and hours page at the Portland Parks Web site for more information.

Best Swimming Park  The Sellwood Riverfront Park is not only a good place to run your dog off-leash and your canine friend can go for a swim in the Willamette River after the run.

Sandy River Delta   The 1,400-acre “dispersed recreation site” at Sandy River Delta (Exit 18 off Interstate 84), where the Sandy and Columbia rivers meet, is Portland’s unofficial, unleashed playground for dogs. The delta is a wide-open, largely unspoiled mess of channels and backwaters.  Plants include grasses, reeds, cottonwoods, and blackberries. There are paths and a small dam on the Sandy so obscure it has bushes and trees growing on it. Of course, these days anything remotely untended must have its own monument to remaining so: Here it’s a bird blind built by Maya Lin, the artist who designed the Vietnam War Memorial, inscribed with the names of 134 bird species.

Suburban Off-Leash Parks

• Hillsboro  - The Hondo dog park is located across from Hillsboro Stadium—near the intersection of Evergreen and 229th avenue.

• Lake Oswego - Luscher Farm on Stafford Road  Open dawn to dusk.  Fenced, benches, handicap access, and parking.

• Milwaukie - North Clackamas Park located at 5440 SE Kellog Creek Drive  Open 1/2 hour after sunrise to 1/2 hour before sunset; fenced, benches, handicap access, tables, bags, water, shelter.

• Washington County Dog Parks Washington County Dog Parks is a volunteer community organization for planning, establishment, construction and maintenance of fun and safe dog parks in Washington County.

• West Linn - Mary S. Young State Park on Highway 43 Benches, tables, handicap access, and shelter.

• Wilsonville - Memorial Park is located two blocks from the city library and two minutes from I-5  Fenced, tables, bags, restrooms, and water.

Taking Your Dog Out to Dinner

Many of the restaurants that have outside seating allow dogs to accompany their owners at the table.  Some of the eating establishments along 23rd Northwest Avenue (an area of shops and restaurants) cater to dogs.  And they even will bring a bowl of water.  On a summer evening, it is wonderful to stroll along 23rd and stopped for dinner with your canine friend.

Lucky Labrador Brew Pub  (915 SE Hawthorne Blvd) is located in an old roofing and sheet metal warehouse. The Lab produces some of the tastiest brews in the northwest and serves up some simple, yet excellent, pub fare. Outside on the back covered patio is a great place to relax and converse with friends or hang out with your canine.

Dogs in the Pearl District

Hannah is a yellow Lab, a citizen of the city.  She rides the elevator with her owner.  She commutes between her 4th floor condo in the Pearl and the street-level merchants who greet her sweet demeanor with fellowship and a biscuit.  Hannah is an emerging generation of condo dogs who, in order to live indoors, must be tested and certified as good citizens in terms of qualities.  This good-citizen mandate stands in bylaws for condominiums built by Hoyt Street Properties, the Pearl's largest developer and the nation's first condo builder to require the pledge.

Downtown Ownership Properties That Allow Pets

Most of the condo units in the Pearl, Northwest District, etc. allow pets.  Here is a partial list: 

• Bridgeport - 1130 NW 12th Avenue.

• Johnson Street - NW 11th Avenue & Johnson.

• Kearny Plaza - 1102 NW Lovejoy Street.  Rentals only. Telephone 503.227.2000

• Legends Condos - 1132 SW 19th Avenue.  Telephone 503.223.7941

• Marshall-Wells Lofts - 1001 NW 14th Avenue. Telephone 503.223.2255

• McCormick Pier - 600 NW Naito Parkway. Telephone 503.228.7437

• The Mosaic - 1400 SW 11th Avenue. Telephone 503.936.0332

• Park Place - 922 NW 11th Avenue.  Telephone 503.227.2000

• Riverstone - 820 NW 12th Avenue.

• Streetcar Lofts - 1030 NW 12th Avenue.  Telephone 503.227.2000

• Tanner Place - 726 NW 11th Avenue.

Pet Health Care

The Portland metro area has excellent pet health care specialists to include an oncology center and 24-hour emergency hospital among others.  The closest locations to similar facilities are in Pullman, Washington and at UC Davis in California. Dr. Juliana Cyman, the owner of the Portland Veterinary Oncology Center, explained it this way:  "Portland is a great place to live and people are interested in receiving quality care for their pets."

• Portland Veterinary Oncology Center  Offers both radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Dr. Cyman is a board-certified veterinary radiation oncologist - one of about 50 in the USA.

• VDIC  Provides veterinary MRI, CT (Cat Scan), ultrasound, cytology and telemedicine consultation.

• Dove Lewis  A 24-hour emergency and ICU hospital.

• Kindred Spirits Acupuncture  Several veterinarians in the Portland area provide acupuncture to pets, veterinarian and acupuncturist Kelly Jenkins Nielsen took the additional step of graduating from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine's rigorous program.

Animal Adoption and Emergency Information

• Pet Guardian Angels of America

• Clackamas County Dog Control

• Columbia Humane Society & Columbia County Animal Control

• Multnomah County Animal Services

• Portland Pooch

• Washington County Animal Services

• Humane Society for SW Washington State

Oregon Humane Society

Oregon Humane Society  All adoptions require a completed application and an interview with an adoption counselor.  Applicants are carefully screened to ensure their new pets will receive proper care. We match pets with people based on their general lifestyle and the type of care they can provide. We take these precautions because too many owners don't understand the importance of this long-term commitment.  You can download the adoption application from the site.

To view a list of cats up for adoption click here:  Oregon Humane Society Cats and Kittens. View the cam camera where you can observe some of the kittens that are up for adoption at play.

Family Dogs New Life

Family Dogs New Life is an alternative shelter that specializes in canine adoptions. There are no dog runs or kennels.  FDNL offers a warm, home type environment for both canine residents and potential adopters. All of their adoptions include the following: spay/neuter, free veterinary exam, one month pet care insurance, five week obedience class, leash and collar, toy/treat packet, and food sample.

Pet Friendly Rentals

Oregon Humane Society   The OHS Web site has a link to "Pet-friendly rental properties in the Portland, OR area."  The listings includes the name of the rental, address, telephone number, map, and the type of pets allows.

In his Cushy job at Hotel Monaco, Art Hardly has to Lift a Paw

Art's story is the stuff of a made-for-TV movie.  Early in his life, this sweet, gentle dog was anxiously looking for a home at the Oregon Humane Society.

The Hotel Monaco in downtown Portland held a contest among five dogs at the Humane Society to select the perfect hotel dog − and Art won paws down.

Like other employees, Art has a great benefits package that will include fully paying for some upcoming ligament surgery he needs. He also gets other perks, including regular grooming paid by the hotel. All the employees know Art is on a strict diet, but he still manages to cadge enough treats to keep him happy even as he gets svelte. His favorite hobby is to ride the elevator. He's the only employee who gets belly rubs from management and guests. Art works five days a week, with a regular Tuesday through Saturday schedule.

The name "Art" came from the hotel's tag line, "Art lives within." While the dog does work within, he actually was officially adopted by the hotel's porter captain, Joseph Sundberg, and spends his off hours living happily with Sundberg, his wife, daughter and two other friendly dogs.  —Deborah Wood, The Oregonian, March 27, 2007.

P.S. - The Hotel Monaco takes care of all its guests in style, including your four-legged friends.

Pets Allowed

A number of Portland business establishments allow dogs in their stores.  Here is a partial list::

• GI Joe's

• Home Depot and Lowe's

• Oregon Mountain Community

• Patagonia

• Parr Lumber

• REI (Recreational Equipment Incorporated)

• All the pet supply stores

Pet Supplies

• Bark Market  Holistic, natural pet foods and supplies.   Located in Portland.

• Castor & Pollux  Makes certified organic pet foods as well as a line of pet- and Earth-friendly products, including herbal flea collars, shampoos, and stain removers.  Located in Clackamas, Oregon.

• Furever Pets  Quality products and excellent service - one of my favorite places to purchase pet food, etc.  Located at 1902 NE Broadway Street, Portland.  Telephone (503) 282-4225.

• Petopia Natural Pet Supplies  16101 SE McLoughlin Blvd., Milwaukie, OR 97267.  Telephone:  (503) 607-0111.

• Rad Cat  Rad Cat makes food for cats with allergies.  Their cat food is made from free-range chicken, free-range turkey or pasture-raised lamb, along with other natural ingredients.  Rad Cat is located in Portland.

• Ruff Wear  The Bend, Oregon company offers many items for dogs on the go. They make an excellent dog life jacket.

Dog Walking and Overnight Pet Care

When our schedule is full, Ginger walks CB and Flanders and they love her dearly.  If you want to see two excited dogs, just tell them that Ginger is coming to walk them.

Ginger is a pioneer in pet care with over 20 years of experience.  She has been involved in rescuing dogs all these years. The photo at the left is Ginger (left) and pet owner Elizabeth Pollock (plus 5-year old daughter Magnolia) on a walk with Rosa Marie, a lab that Elizabeth rescued on a trip to Mexico.  Rosa Marie came with numerous behavioral problems.  Thanks to Ginger's work with Rose Marie, she has blossomed into a wonderful companion for Elizabeth and Magnolia.  

Contact Information:  Ginger Matyas Katcandu Home Visit Pet Care at 503-227-5188

Pet and House Sitting Services

Many pet owners find it easier to have someone responsible stay in their home with the pets when they are traveling.  Below is a list of people that offer this kind of service:

• Oregon Pet Sitters Association  Just enter your ZIP code at this site to find a pet sitter.

• Bark PDX  Pet walking and sitting service.

• Happy Critter Pet Sitter  Ms. Dukes offers dog training and pet sitting services.

• Hearts & Hands Animal Care  Heart & Hands Animal Care provides care overnight and day care for your friends.

• Heavenly Critters Pet Nanny  Melinda does petting sitting and house sitting for cats and/or dogs.  Telephone:  503-880-5836.

• My Dog Walker...and More  Dog walking, training, and pet taxi.  Paige and Tamela will run errands for you and even organize your life.

• Pawswego Petsitting  Cat sitting, dog sitting, live-in house sitting and overnight services - licensed, bonded, and insured.

• PDX Pets on the Go  Visits and in-home care.  Also dog walking.  Telephone:  503-222-0672 or 971-212 4472.

• Pet Friendly Hotels  The site has a list of over 27,000 pet friendly hotels from around the world.

• Pet's Friend Petsitting  Day visits, overnight stays, and dog walking on the west side of Portland.

• Pets in the City  Pet sitting and dog walking.  Serving NW Portland, downtown, Pearl District, West Hills, and inner eastside.

• Pups  Portland Urban Pet Services can manage all your pet care needs.

• Reigning Cats and Dogs  Pet sitting, dog walking, online pet boutique and bakery.  Located in NW Portland.

• SnuggleKitties Cat sitting service.

• Town & Country  They cover Portland for pet sitting and the west side for dog walks. Town & Country also does hotel dog sitting visits.

• TrailBlazers Pet Sitting Service  Dog walking service also.

• West Hills Cat Sitting

• Yuppie Puppy Pet Services  Serving Southeast Portland, Clackamas, and Milwaukie.

Boarding, Day Care, and Training

• Arnold Creek Cat Retreat  A cat-only facility with no cages - each cat has a large private room.  2020 SW Arnold Street, Portland 97219. Telephone: (503) 892-2889.

• Dogs Dig It  Daycare, boarding, massage, swimming, play structures, and a shuttle bus.

• Double Dog Ranch  At Double Dog Ranch your dog will discover freedom, adventure and new friends in a secure, natural country playground.

• Tail Chasers Doggy Day Care  Located in Milwaukie (SW suburb), Tail Chasers offers both boarding and day care.

• Whispering Hills Labradors  Training and boarding services along with a doggie day care serving south Portland communities and the Salem area.

Pet Walking and Visits to the Home

• Kel's Pet Sitting provides pet care services in the Southeast neighborhoods and communities and includes SE Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, and Fairview.

Hotel Pet Walking

If you're staying at a downtown Portland hotel and need your dog walked, Town & Country Pet Services is your answer.  Most of the hotel concierges have T&C on file as one of their resources.

Doggy Duty for Condominium and Loft Owners

Doggy Duty offers convenient potty relief for your urban pup and provides a solution to midnight trips down the elevator, indoor accidents and drenching walks in the rain.

Doggy Duty's hardwood constructed Doggy Duty box is designed for use as a dog litter box. The box furnishes your dog with a "personal" plot of grass* accessed on your balcony or indoors. Our weekly or every other week fresh grass replacement service ensures a hygienic area for your dog's relief needs.

Portland Pet Links

American Veterinary Medical Association
Information about veterinary medicine and animal care.
 

Dog Blog for Portland  
The Oregonian sponsors the Portland Dog blog and even allows postings of photos of your dog.

Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital
The only not-for-profit hospital in Portland devoted exclusively to emergency and critical care for animals 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Don't miss their dogtoberfest where you can can get your dog washed, enjoy live music, and socialize.
 

Dog Friendly
Go Places With Your Dog! Travel, sightsee, shop and work with your pooch. Listings of dog-friendly hotels, attractions, stores and employers that allow dogs of all sizes.

 

Oregon Humane Society
Voice (503) 285-7722 - Fax (503) 285-0838. View a list of cats and dogs up for adoption, also gives you opportunities to volunteer, and more.

Columbia Agility Team
The Columbia Agility Team (CAT) is a nonprofit club that was formed in 1993 to promote the fast-growing sport of dog agility in the Portland area. 

X-Fidos Flyball
Flyball is a dog sport involving two 4-dog teams in side-by-side lanes. At the signal, the first dog on each team is released across the starting line - it runs 50 feet over four jumps (height based on the size of the team's smallest dog) to a spring-loaded box. The dog must hit the box with its paws to release a tennis ball, catch it, and return with it over the four jumps. As it crosses the start line, the next dog is on its way. Click here to view a video that explains the sport.
 

Portland Rental Service
They have pet friendly rentals to include houses, townhouses, and apartments.

Children and dogs are as necessary to the welfare of the country as Wall Street and the railroads.
Harry S. Truman, 1884 - 1972

Traveling with Pets
Visit Pets Welcome, the internet's largest pet/travel resource.  They list over 25,000 hotels, B&Bs, ski resorts, campgrounds, and beaches that are pet-friendly.

Oregon Pet Sitters Association
Professional membership group. You can find a pet sitters on their site by just entering your ZIP code.

Portland Dog Blog
Proud of your dog? Send me a picture and details. Smart, funny, lovable, loyal - why is your dog special?

Bobbie the Wonder Dog
"Bobbie the Wonder Dog" of Silverton, Oregon, was the canine hero in a story that became a national sensation. On a February day in 1924, the 2-year-old scotch collie-mix dog appeared on the door step of his owners, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Brazier. What amazed them was that they had not seen their dog since he disappeared six months earlier from a car trip in Indiana.

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski and his Shepherd mix HerShe.  The Governor and his wife Mary adopted HerShe from the Humane Society of the Willamette Valley in Salem during the summer of 2003.

View the cam camera at the Oregon Humane Society Cats and Kittens
where you can observe some of the kittens that are up for adoption at play.

The Book, Best Hikes with
Dogs: Oregon, gives detailed information on 75 hikes in Oregon that you can take with your dog.  It is available at Powell's Books in Portland.

Oregon Horse County

The wild Kigers horses in Southeastern Oregon (Steens Mountains) are true to Spanish mustang origins. According to the 2002 Census of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Clackamas County in the Portland metro area is number nine in horse population (9,223).

The Dog

The truth I do not stretch or shove When I state that the dog is full of love. I've also found, by actual test, A wet dog is the lovingest.

Ogden Nash

Spot Magazine is published in Portland.  It is the one-step resource for information, ideas, and events of interest to animals and their people.

The Double Dog Ranch is more than just a "overnight kennel" for your pet.  It is a combination of dog camp, playground, and spa.

Top Dog in Portland

The Labrador retriever continues to be the most popular breed of dog nationally and in Portland, according to figures from the American Kennel Club.

In Portland, small dogs occupied six spots, with pugs (at No. 4, higher in Portland than any other U.S. city), Chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers all moving up and dachshunds ranked third behind two types of retrievers.