New to Bend?

Welcome to Central Oregon — one of the better places in the country to be a pet owner. The trails are good, the community is dog-friendly, and the vets here genuinely care about your animal. Speaking of which: if you haven’t established veterinary care yet, that’s the first thing worth doing before you’re settled in and something comes up unexpectedly.

Establish care before you need it

One of the most stressful moments for a new resident is a sick or injured pet and no vet relationship to call on. Most practices — including ours — can see established patients faster in an urgent situation than walk-ins. Getting your first wellness visit scheduled shortly after you arrive means you’re already in the system when it matters.

If you’re transferring from another vet, bring your pet’s medical records and vaccination history to your first visit. It helps us pick up right where your last vet left off.

Does my pet need to be licensed in Bend?

Yes — All dogs in Deschutes County are required to be licensed annually. Licensing is tied to rabies vaccination, so you’ll need proof of a current rabies vaccine. Cats are not currently required to be licensed.

If your dog’s rabies vaccination lapsed during your move, we can get that updated at your first visit.

Update your microchip registration

If your pet is microchipped — and they should be — your new address needs to be registered with the microchip database. The chip itself doesn’t need to change, just the contact information associated with it. Log in to the registry where your chip is registered (HomeAgain, Found Animals, 24PetWatch, and PetLink are the most common) and update your address and phone number before you unpack the last box.

If your pet isn’t microchipped yet, we can take care of that at your first visit. It’s one of the most reliable ways to get a lost pet home.

Should my dog be vaccinated for rattlesnakes?

Rattlesnakes are present in Central Oregon, particularly along rivers, streams, and the high desert terrain your dog is probably going to love exploring. The rattlesnake vaccine doesn’t prevent a bite or eliminate the need for emergency care, but it can reduce the severity of a reaction and buy valuable time.

Whether it makes sense for your dog depends on their lifestyle — a dog who hikes off-leash in the backcountry has different exposure than one who walks the river path on a leash. Ask us at your first visit and we’ll give you a straight answer based on your specific situation.

Coyotes, raptors, and wildlife — what new residents need to know

Bend is more wild than it looks. Coyotes are present throughout the city, including residential neighborhoods, and are active year-round. Great Horned Owls and eagles are real risks for small dogs and cats, particularly at dawn and dusk.

  • Small dogs and cats should not be left outside unattended, especially at night
  • Coyotes have been known to approach dogs on leash in some areas — stay aware on early morning and evening walks
  • Don’t leave pet food outside — it attracts coyotes, raccoons, and skunks
  • Cats allowed outdoors are at significantly higher risk here than in most urban environments

Off-leash parks and trails

Bend is exceptionally dog-friendly, with real options for dogs of different sizes and energy levels.

  • Good Dog! (Rimrock Trailhead) — a local favorite just minutes from downtown off Century Drive. Around 700 acres of Deschutes National Forest land with year-round off-leash access, miles of sandy trails, and Deschutes River access at the bottom. No parking pass required.
  • Riverbend Dog Park — fenced, off-leash, central location near the Deschutes. Separate areas for large and small dogs.
  • Farewell Bend Dog Park — another popular fenced option on the east side
  • Phil’s Trail and Deschutes River Trail — popular off-leash trails, though leash rules vary by section and season — check current signage
  • Shevlin Park — dogs allowed on leash, beautiful high desert canyon setting, good for all seasons

Trail access and leash requirements change seasonally and with fire conditions — check the City of Bend Parks & Recreation website for current rules before heading out.

Can my dog swim in the Deschutes?

Yes — and most dogs who visit Bend figure this out immediately. The Deschutes River has several popular dog swimming spots, including the area near Farewell Bend Park and the Old Mill District.

A few things worth knowing:

  • Giardia is a possible risk in the river, and even more so in stagnant or still water (like in ponds or lakes). Giardia is treatable and easily identified in a fecal sample.
  • Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can appear in slower-moving water, particularly in late summer. It’s toxic to dogs and can be fatal quickly. If the water looks greenish, foamy, or smells musty — keep your dog out and call us if they’ve already been in.
  • Current can be stronger than it looks in spring and early summer snowmelt — know your dog’s swimming ability

High desert heat — what’s different here

Central Oregon’s high desert climate means intense sun and dry heat, which affects pets differently than humid heat. A few things new residents often don’t anticipate:

  • Paw protection — pavement and trail surfaces get extremely hot in summer. If you can’t hold your hand on the surface for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws
  • Hydration — dogs dehydrate faster in dry heat than humid heat, even when the temperature seems manageable. Bring more water than you think you need
  • Shade — the sun is intense at Bend’s elevation. Even on moderate-temperature days, prolonged sun exposure can cause overheating
  • Smoke season — late summer wildfire smoke is a reality in Central Oregon. On poor air quality days, limit outdoor exercise for dogs and cats, especially those with respiratory conditions

Cheatgrass — a hazard new residents often don’t see coming

Unlike a thorn or a splinter, cheatgrass awns don’t just cause irritation where they land. They can migrate under the skin, into the ear canal, or behind the eyelid — causing infection, abscess, or serious eye damage if not caught early.

After any outing in late spring or summer, check your dog thoroughly:

  • Between the toes — the most common entry point, often causing limping or excessive licking of the paw
  • Inside and around the ears — head shaking, tilting, or scratching at the ear — all warning signs
  • Eyes and eyelids — any squinting, discharge, or swelling around the eye needs to be seen right away
  • Nose — sudden, violent sneezing that won’t stop can indicate an awn in the nasal passage
  • Coat and armpits — awns mat into fur quickly, especially in longer-coated dogs

If you suspect cheatgrass in an ear, eye, or nose — don’t wait. Call us.

Seasonal risks at a glance

Season Watch For
Spring Giardia in waterways, cheatgrass, increased wildlife activity
Summer Heat, hot pavement, blue-green algae, rattlesnakes, wildfire smoke cheatgrass,
Fall Rattlesnakes moving before hibernation, hunting season on trails
Winter Frostbite, ice on paws, antifreeze exposure, hypothermia

Local resources