Animal Control Questions

The Vernonia Police Department works in partnership with Columbia County Animal Control to address animal related issues in Vernonia. If you have a neglect issue, safety issue, or dangerous animal issue or you are not sure who to call, you can call the VPD (503-429-7335) and we will do everything we can to assist you. If you are unable to reach anyone at the office you can leave a message or call 800-696-7795 to speak to a dispatcher. This is also the number you can call for Columbia County Animal Control. The Animal Control Office can be reached by calling 503-397-3935. Animal Control Officer Roger Kadell would like you to know the following facts:

---ORS 609.100 requires that all dogs over six months of age be licensed with Columbia County Animal Control within 30 days of residing in the City. ---Columbia County Animal Control will be canvassing the city to assure that dogs are licensed as required by the state law. ---License may be obtained at the animal shelter in St. Helens, at the County Court House, by mail or by contacting the animal control officer in the field. . ---ORS 609.095 Defines a dog as a public nuisance if it: a. Bites another person(even in your own home) b. Chases a vehicle or person. c. Damages property of another. d. Scatters garbage. e. Trespasses onto private property. f. Disturbs any person by frequent or prolonged noise. ---Columbia County Animal Control at 503-397-3935 will respond to calls of animals being public nuisance and can issue a citation under County Ordinance based on the citizens complaint. The bail for these violations are $500.00. ---Issues with wild animals need to be referred to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wild Life (800-720-ODFW). In the case of raccoons, possums and other general nuisances animals, residents may obtain a trapping permit from ODFW (no charge) and rent traps from animal control. The homeowner can then legally relocate the wild animal.