Dog Owner Info

Licensing

All dogs must be licensed per state law. Dog licenses expire annually on December 31. Licensing begins in October. See our Dog Licensing page for information about licensing, including a link to the online application.

Where Can I Take My Dog?

Visit the Visiting Parks page for dog laws and information about dog-friendly South Portland parks, including on and off-leash hours.

Scoop the Poop

Dog owners must always pick up and dispose of dog waste on streets and in parks and beaches, per Chapter 3 of City's Code of Ordinances.

1 gram of dog poop has over 23 million fecal coliform bacteria (almost twice as much as a human's) that can wash into our waterways and contribute to water contamination and cause illness. View some tips from the College of the Environment at the University of Washington:

  • Always carry poop bags with you whenever you are out and about with your dog. Take more than you think you will need; you never know.
  • Pick it up, every single time.
  • Tie the bag closed and toss it in the garbage, not compost bins or yard waste bags.
  • Pick up poops in your yard weekly (more often is better and definitely before a big rain).

Video Resources