This April, pet owners in Seattle, Bothell, Federal Way, and much of King County can take advantage of a one-month “license amnesty period” and bring their expired pet licenses up to date or purchase new tags for animals not currently licensed without facing late fees or other penalties.
“About 25 percent of our pet owners fail to renew their licenses each year,” says Don Jordan, Director of the Seattle Animal Shelter. “While we know this is partially a result of pets either dying, disappearing, moving out of the Puget Sound region, or being given away, many pet owners simply forget to renew their pet licenses. The amnesty program gives people a chance to get caught up without having to pay extra fines that can add up to hundreds of dollars.”
“A pet license is the best insurance policy you can buy for your pet,” says Dr. Gene Mueller, manager of Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC). “For instance, if your pet is wearing its license and it shows up at our Pet Adoption Center, we will notify you that your pet is here. Or if we find your licensed pet in the field, we’ll return it to you instead of taking it to the center. What’s more, an injured animal wearing a license is more likely to receive veterinary care if you’re not around,” adds Mueller.
“While a license provides you with peace of mind, should your pet get lost, you’re also helping to provide a safety net for unwanted or neglected animals in our region,” says Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn. “License fees provide essential financial support to help save thousands of animals each year through adoption, foster care, spay and neuter programs, law enforcement and community outreach.”
“Your pet is too precious to lose, and a license costs just a few pennies a day,” says King County Executive Dow Constantine. “By licensing your pet, you increase your chances of being reunited if your pet gets lost. Your license fee also helps us find forever homes for more pets, and helps animals that are victims of cruelty or neglect.”
For Pet Owners in the Regional Animal Services of King County Service Area
Pet owners residing in unincorporated King County or any of the following Regional Partner Cities are required to license with King County:
Beaux Arts Kent Sammamish
Bellevue Kenmore SeaTac
Black Diamond Kirkland Shoreline
Carnation Lake Forest Park Snoqualmie
Clyde Hill Maple Valley Tukwila
Covington Mercer Island Woodinville
Duvall Newcastle Yarrow Point
Enumclaw North Bend
Issaquah Redmond
King County pet owners can go to www.kingcounty.gov/pets, then click on “License Your Pet” to renew a pet license online. Licenses are also sold at the King County Pet Adoption Center, 21615 64th Ave. S. in Kent, at 25 Regional Partner City Halls, many QFC stores, vehicle licensing agencies, or at any of the six King County Community Service Centers (CSCs) located throughout King County. For a full list of pet licensing locations, visit www.kingcounty.gov/pets.
