The Silver Falls Kennel Club is committed to supporting responsible dog ownership and strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners in the Marion and Polk County areas. Below are essential local resources, including off-leash areas and emergency veterinary contacts.
Local Dog Parks and Walking Trails
Please remember to always check local park signage for current rules, including leash requirements, waste disposal, and hours of operation. Note that not all designated off-leash areas are fully fenced.
Dedicated Off-Leash Dog Parks
| Park Name | Location & Notes |
| Minto-Brown Island Park | Salem. Features over 29 miles of walking trails (leash required) and a sprawling 30-acre designated off-leash area. The off-leash area is not fully fenced, so dogs must be reliable under voice control. |
| Keizer Rapids Park Dog Area | Keizer. A fenced dog park with separate sections for small and large breeds, double-gated entry, shelters, and water fountains. |
| Orchard Heights Park Off Leash Area | West Salem. A designated space for off-leash play. Please note that this area is generally not fully fenced. |
| Central Bark | Dallas. A fully fenced, dedicated dog park, often featuring separate areas for small and large dogs. |
Leashed Walking Areas
| Park Name | Location & Notes |
| Bush’s Pasture Park | Central Salem. Beautiful, dog-friendly walking paths and trails through gardens and open space. Dogs must remain on a leash. |
| Riverfront Park | Downtown Salem. Paved walking paths along the Willamette River, connecting via bridge to Minto-Brown Island Park. Dogs must remain on a leash. |
| Willamette Mission State Park | Gervais (North of Salem). Welcomes leashed pets on trails and near Mission Lake. |
Emergency Veterinary Clinics (Salem Area)
If your dog is experiencing a life-threatening illness or injury, please call the clinic before you arrive to allow the staff time to prepare for your arrival.
| Clinic Name | Location | Phone Number | Operating Hours |
| Wilvet Salem Emergency and 24-Hour Urgent Care | 120 Ramsgate Square, Salem, OR 97302 | (503) 741-8858 | Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
| Salem Veterinary Emergency Clinic | 3215 Market St NE, Salem, OR 97301 | (503) 588-8082 | Dedicated emergency/urgent care hours vary (typically evenings, weekends, and holidays). Call for current admission hours. |
| VCA Salem Animal Hospital | 4053 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97302 | (503) 581-1438 | Note: Typically handles urgent/emergency cases during their regular business hours. Always call ahead. |
Poison Control
For suspected poisoning or toxic ingestion, contact the 24-hour hotline immediately:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC): 1-888-426-4435 (Consultation fees may apply)
Responsible Dog Ownership Links
Animal Shelters, Rescue, and Control
These organizations provide essential services including adoption, intake for stray/lost dogs, and humane education for Marion and Polk Counties.
| Organization | Location & Services | Contact Information |
| Oregon Humane Society (OHS) Salem Campus | Salem. Largest animal welfare organization in the Northwest, serving Marion and Polk Counties with adoptions, education, and medical services. | Address: 4246 Turner Rd. SE, Salem, OR 97317 Phone: (503) 285-7722 Website: oregonhumane.org |
| Marion County Dog Services | Salem. Operates the Marion County dog shelter. Responsible for enforcing county licensing and control ordinances, and providing shelter for stray/lost dogs in Marion County. | Address: 3550 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, OR 97317 Phone (General): (503) 588-5233 Phone (Licensing): (503) 566-6966 Website: Marion County Dog Services |
| Polk County Animal Control | Dallas. Managed by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Primarily handles stray/lost dogs in Polk County. Owners are advised to contact them immediately if a dog is lost. | Address: 850 Main St, Dallas, OR 97338 (Sheriff’s Office) Phone: (503) 623-9251 Website: Polk County Lost/Found Dogs |