It’s true. Portlanders love their dogs, dogs love Portland and Portland loves them back. One of the nation’s most livable dog cities, Portland offers dog-friendly restaurants, doggy daycare, boarding, a wide range of pet stores, washes, spas and other places to pamper your pooch. There is ample space for play in Portland including parks and trails, off-leash and fenced in dog parks and some easy walking neighborhoods around town for getting out with your pooch.
Off-leash Dog Parks in Portland
First and foremost, dogs need exercise. In Portland, there is a long list of parks where pooches can run free. Most off-leash areas are limited to a certain section within the park. Portland’s dog parks have rules, times when open, and signage letting you know what is required while your pooch plays. Generally, dogs should have a friendly disposition and like being around other dogs when they’re in a park setting. Those showing aggressive behavior and timid dogs who don’t like being sniffed, probably are best suited to on-leash walks, and play dates with buddies they know and are comfortable with. Make sure you clean up after your dog (some parks supply bags, some don’t) and respectfully share water or bring your own.
Note that some off-leash dog parks in Portland are fenced in, but many are not. If you have a runner (and selective listener), you may stick to options with fences like Normandale Park or Sacajawea Park in NE Portland. Some of our favorites include those with enough space to tire our dog out. If your pooch needs a lot of room to run and won’t break for the hills, check out Fernhill Park or Gabriel Park. Mt. Tabor Park is also pretty big but the off-leash area is located on a sloping hill and has many steps.
Afield: We’re focusing on Portland here but for one of the best runs in the Portland area, head to the Sandy River Delta AKA 1000 Acres in Troutdale. It’s a great place to have an adventure with your dog. Your pup will love its endless fields and so will you.
Dog-friendly Dining
Going out for a walk with Fido, but want to stop for coffee or grab something to eat? You can in Portland. There are hundreds of dog-friendly eateries around the city, but some are more friendly than others. A few of our faves are Victoria’s dog-friendly patio, White Owl Social Club, and Fifth Quadrant.
Puppy Nursery School at Sniff in NW Portland
Dog Daycare, Walking & Boarding in Portland
If your pup needs to play while you’re away at work or away on a trip, Portland offers up some excellent dog daycare, walking and boarding options. You’ll even find puppy nurseries for your young ones. There is a wide range of accommodations with standard, deluxe or family suites, sometimes with views. We love Fetch Doggie Daycare, the Sniff Hotel and Stay Pet Hotel.
If you’re moving to Portland and bringing your beloved quadrupeds, have no fear. You can do it! More and more private landlords and property managers are realizing how much our pets mean to us (thank you), and are allowing for dogs of many sizes. There are breed restrictions, so it’s important to research (or better yet let us help you) when looking for a place to rent. You can expect to pay a rent deposit upwards of $350 for each pet and sometimes pet rent of $30 or more per pet. It may take a little bit of planning before relocating, but will all be worth it once you get here.