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Animal Control
The city strives to prevent injury to property and cruelty to animals by administering animal control measures deemed desirable and necessary for the protection of the health, welfare, and safety of the residents and animals of the city of Battle Ground. The purpose of this ordinance is to provide a means of licensing dogs and other animals and facilities; to regulate animal behavior so that it will not constitute a nuisance; and to prevent or curtail inhumane treatment to animals.
Helpful Resources
Clark County Animal and Pets: Visit their website for additional information and resources to help pets throughout Clark County.
We encourage community members who wish to give back, to contact various local agencies or non-profit organizations. Although the City cannot endorse organizations, there are numerous organizations helping with TNR, fostering, and animal safety throughout the County that would appreciate help and volunteers to keep animals healthy and safe.
- Are dogs required to be licensed and how many can I have?
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Yes, all dogs over the age of six months need to be licensed with the City. Dog licenses are issued on a calendar year basis from January 1 - December 31. License renewals are due by January 31 of each year. New dogs may be registered any time of the year. At no time may there be more than three adult dogs per household per BGMC 6.10.060. For more information see the City's dog licensing page.
- How can I register my dog for a license?
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Use our convenient online service to register your dog for a license or to renew a license.
- Is there a leash law for dogs?
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Yes, any dog off the owner or custodian’s premises must be on a leash per BGMC 6.10.310.
- What is considered to be nuisance dog barking?
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Any animal which by habitual howling, yelping, barking, crowing or other noise disturbs or annoys any person or neighborhood to an unreasonable degree, taken to be continuous noise for a period of ten or more minutes or intermittent noise for a period of thirty or more minutes per BGMC 6.10.260.
- How can I file a nuisance complaint against a dog?
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Fill out the City's citizen action request form online.
- Whom can I contact if my pet is missing?
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If you are looking for your lost pet in the City of Battle Ground, please contact us at 360-342-5000 (option 0).
- What is the city’s impound process?
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Pets that are found “wandering” on their own may be impounded by the city in order to protect the animal and the public. An impounded pet will be transported to the Human Society for Southwest Washington to ensure its safety and care.
- How can I retrieve my impounded pet?
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To retrieve an impounded pet, the owner must contact the Humane Society for Southwest Washington and pay any applicable fees.
- Am I allowed to keep chickens on my property?
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Chickens are allowed, however roosters are not allowed per BGMC 6.10.185.