Deschutes County does recognize service animals and offers a zero fee license for dogs that meet the ADA requirements. Service dogs are required to be licensed and have a valid rabies vaccination. A service animal, as defined by the ADA, is a dog of any breed or size that is trained to provide a specific task directly related to a person’s disability. They do not include emotional support or comfort dogs.
Refunds are not provided on dog licenses in Deschutes County once the license has been issued regardless if you move out of the County or your dog passes away. Please take this into consideration when purchasing a multi-year license.
As of July 1, 2023, the cost for a license in Deschutes County increased to cover cost of administering the dog licensing program. The license fee was last changed in 2013. The County now offers discounts for multi-year licenses as well as senior citizen discounts (62 & over) on spayed and neutered dogs.
The length of the license depends on the expiration of the rabies vaccine for your pet. When obtaining a dog license online, you will only see license options that pertain to your current situation.
You will need to obtain a valid rabies certificate from your veterinarian or organization that gave the rabies vaccine to your dog. If you do not have a rabies certificate in your possession, please contact the veterinarian’s office where the vaccine was given. They will be able to provide a duplicate copy for you to submit with your application.
Every dog in Oregon is required to be licensed per ORS 609.100. When a dog reaches the age of six months or develops permanent canine teeth, whichever is longer, a license is required.
The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners has adopted the county’s fiscal year 2023-24 budget, following a series of public hearings by the county’s budget committee in late May.
The county’s total operating budget for Fiscal Year 2024 is $400.4 million, which represents a 1.9% percent decrease from the prior year’s original adopted budget.
The budget includes funding for core county programs and services, as well as a variety of priority projects and initiatives, including:
Deschutes County has earned the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) special Triple Crown Medallion for winning all three annual awards granted by the association in one year.
