As of 2009, Portland Farmers Market no longer permits shoppers to bring their dogs or other pets to its two busiest downtown markets: Saturday Market at PSU and Wednesday Market at Shemanski Park, both located in the South Park Blocks.
The Market received repeated complaints from vendors and shoppers about dogs crowding the marketplace, relieving themselves, taking food, and potentially injuring customers. One patron had to be taken to the hospital after becoming tangled in a dog's leash.
The new pet rules are similar to those in place at farmers markets in Beaverton, Hillsdale, Seattle and San Francisco.
Pets will still be welcomed at our other four markets: Thursdays in the SE Buckman Neighborhood, Sundays in the NE King Neighborhood, Mondays at Pioneer Courthouse Square and Thursdays at NW 23rd.
If customers do choose to bring a pet, we ask them to abide by the following rules to make a pet’s visit to the market a good experience for everyone: Dogs must be kept on a short leash.
· Dogs must be under control and by the owner’s side at all times.
· Keep dogs away from produce, plants, and other food products.
· Dogs must be friendly with other dogs and children to earn the right to be at the market.
· Be considerate—not everyone loves dogs and some customers are allergic to animals.
· Don’t forget to clean up after your dog!
· PFM management reserves the right to request that owners remove pets from the market.
All markets remain open to service animals. Learn how the Americans with Disabilities Act defines service animals.