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Dogs
Park policy concerning dogs in Hoyt Arboretum.
Dogs are welcome in Hoyt Arboretum. However, city law requires dog owners to keep their dog(s) on a leash at all times while in the park. There are no off-leash areas in Hoyt Arboretum. Dog owners are required to pick up and dispose of their dog’s waste each and every time. The purpose of the leash law is to ensure that dogs are kept under control for the safety and enjoyment of all park visitors, and to protect the park’s environment, trails and wildlife.
Porltand Parks & Recreation
Dogs for the Environment Program
Scoop the Poop
Doggie-doo isn’t just smelly and yucky to step in - it damages the land. Dog feces have a high nitrogen content, which fertilizes and spreads nitrogen-loving invasive weeds at the expense of native plants. Poop fouls water sources with bacteria and harmful microbes and speeds the growth of algae in creeks and rivers. Parasites in the droppings can be a hazard to wildlife.
Doggie-doo isn’t just smelly and yucky to step in - it damages the land. Dog feces have a high nitrogen content, which fertilizes and spreads nitrogen-loving invasive weeds at the expense of native plants. Poop fouls water sources with bacteria and harmful microbes and speeds the growth of algae in creeks and rivers. Parasites in the droppings can be a hazard to wildlife.
Keep Your Dog Leashed
All dogs are predators. No matter how harmless your dog seems to you, wild birds and animals are acutely aware of dogs on the loose and often take escape measures – running, burrowing, climbing, flying. These disturbances can have serious consequences for wild creatures, causing extra stress and the use of precious energy that may make the difference between life and death. Free-ranging dogs can also attack and kill wildlife.
All dogs are predators. No matter how harmless your dog seems to you, wild birds and animals are acutely aware of dogs on the loose and often take escape measures – running, burrowing, climbing, flying. These disturbances can have serious consequences for wild creatures, causing extra stress and the use of precious energy that may make the difference between life and death. Free-ranging dogs can also attack and kill wildlife.
Stay on the Trail
When dogs run and play off the trail, they trample native plants and destroy habitat for ground-nesting birds. When they play in streams, they stir up sediments that can make it difficult for fish and other aquatic organisms to breathe.
When dogs run and play off the trail, they trample native plants and destroy habitat for ground-nesting birds. When they play in streams, they stir up sediments that can make it difficult for fish and other aquatic organisms to breathe.
When streamside shrubs and plants are destroyed, they can no longer provide shade for the stream or cover for wildlife. The lack of shade causes water temperatures to rise, which can be lethal for some species of fish. Also, streamside plants provide habitat for insects which are an important food source for fish.
TAKE THE PLEDGE!