Protect your family pet

Renew or license new pets from your home in Kent and Federal Way this month

King County Animal Services is making pet licensing even easier for pet owners in Kent and Federal Way by going door-to-door in neighborhoods this month.  Along with being required by law, pet licensing can save a beloved family member from being hurt or lost permanently.

“Last year with the help of a King County pet license, Animal Services reunited almost 2,000 lost dogs and cats with their owners, “ said Walt Washington, Manager of King County Animal Services. “Licensing your pet is a great insurance policy if your pet should get lost.  Don’t wait for your family pet to wander off before you think about licensing.”

In 2005, King County Animal Services issued nearly 150,000 pet licenses as part of its mission of protecting pets.  During this month’s door-to-door licensing service, Animal Services canvassers will explain the benefits of licensing and identifying pets, and will provide additional information on pet-related issues.

Through the Pet Partnership program, pet-licensing canvassers go door-to-door in most areas of the county (excluding Seattle, Renton, Medina, Newcastle, Des Moines, Normandy Park, and Hunts Point) to renew or license new pets.

Canvassing hours are: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Monday through Wednesday from noon to 8:30 p.m.

Canvassers are King County employees and wear official photo identification, royal blue polo shirts, windbreakers or winter jackets. “King County Pet License Canvasser” is printed on the front of the windbreakers, with “Pet Partnership” printed on the back.

To encourage citizens to license pets, King County is offering a variety of promotions for licensing a pet.  With every new license purchased from home, pet owners will receive a voucher for a free pet microchip. Pet owners who buy one license can also acquire a second Buddy License for another pet for only $5 dollars more

The price of a King County pet license is $20 for a spayed or neutered dog or cat and $60 for an unaltered pet. Licenses are good for one year and must be renewed annually. A juvenile license for a puppy or kitten less than six months of age is $5, and lasts six months. Senior citizens can purchase a discounted license valid for the lifetime of their neutered pet while it is in their possession for just $20 for dogs and $12 for cats.

King County Pet Licenses are available at 129 locations throughout King County, including local animal clinics, city halls, and 39 QFC stores. For more information on pet licensing, please call 206-296-2712 or visit http://payments.metrokc.gov/petlicenses/.