If you live in Oregon and keep your pet outdoors, you need to know about the state’s tethering laws. Chaining or tethering a pet is not always illegal, but there are strict rules you must follow. These laws are meant to protect animals from neglect and harm while ensuring they receive proper care.
In this guide, we’ll explain what Oregon law says about tethering pets, how long you can do it, and what happens if you break the rules.
Oregon’s Pet Tethering Law Explained
Under Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS § 167.343), it is illegal to tether or chain a pet in unsafe or harmful ways. You can still tether your pet under certain conditions, but you must follow the state’s guidelines to avoid penalties or charges.
What You Cannot Do
You may not:
Use a short or dangerous tether that could choke or injure your pet.
Use a collar that pinches or chokes when pulled.
Chain your pet for more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period.
Use a pulley or trolley system for more than 15 hours in a day.
Cause any serious injury or death through tethering—this could lead to criminal animal neglect charges.
What Happens If You Break the Law
If you violate the tethering time or safety rules, it’s a Class B violation (a civil fine).
If your pet is harmed or dies due to your tethering practices, you could be charged with animal neglect, which is a criminal offense in Oregon.
When Is Tethering Allowed in Oregon?
Tethering your pet is allowed when:
You are present outside with the animal.
You are following campground or park rules.
The animal is being transported.
The animal is part of a legal activity, like hunting or sledding.
Even in these cases, you must still ensure the animal is safe, fed, and protected.
Minimum Care Is Always Required
Even if tethering is legal in your situation, you’re still responsible for meeting your pet’s basic needs. Oregon law requires you to provide:
Clean drinking water
Enough food
Proper shelter
Protection from the weather (sun, rain, wind, and cold)
Failing to meet these standards—even without tethering—could result in a citation or criminal charge for animal neglect.
In Oregon, you can tether a pet, but only within strict limits. You must ensure the tether is safe, not used for more than 10 hours a day (or 15 hours with a trolley system), and doesn’t cause harm.
If your pet is injured or dies from how it’s chained, you may face serious legal trouble, including criminal charges. Always provide shelter, water, and food, and never leave pets outside in extreme conditions.
Following these rules helps keep your pet safe—and keeps you out of legal trouble.
[1] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/oregon/
[2] https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
[3] https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/displayDivisionRules.action?selectedDivision=2705
