Goal: to reunite more lost pets with owners and increase the number of licensed pets

The introduction of a penalty for failing to license pets is modeled after the successful City of Seattle program that increased pet licensing after the agency instituted licensing fines. Owners of unlicensed pets will first be offered the opportunity to purchase a license before receiving a penalty. Those who refuse to license their pet after this opportunity will be assessed a $75 penalty.

There are many benefits that come with a King County pet license:

• The first time a licensed pet is found running loose, King County will attempt to give it a free ride home.
• If a licensed pet ends up in a King County shelter, staff will hold it for a longer period and make every effort to call or write the owner to inform them that the pet is at the shelter and available for pickup.
• Owners of licensed pets are eligible for the Vacation Pet Alert program. You can alert King County when you are on vacation and provide the number for your pet's caretaker so that if your pet gets loose, animal control staff can reach the right person in your absence.
• Your pet can be picked up at no charge at your home should you need to release it to King County.
• You can use King County's humane euthanasia service at no charge if your pet ever needs the procedure.

In 2009, King County Pet License fees increased for the first time in five years. The fee for a pet license for a spayed or neutered pet is $30 per year. The licensing fee for an unaltered pet is $90 per year and both must be renewed each year. Discounts are available for owners of juvenile pets (under six months of age), and for senior citizens, who are eligible to purchase a license for lifetime of each pet.

Licenses can be purchased on-line, by mail, and at more than 100 convenient sales outlets in King County's service area, including many local QFC stores, local veterinarians, city halls, general licensing locations, animal shelters, and King County community service centers. For a complete list of pet license sales outlets or to purchase a pet license on-line, please visit the King County Animal Care and Control website at www.kingcounty.gov/pets.

###

King County Animal Care and Control's service area is unincorporated King County and 34 cities within King County. The agency has been promoting responsible pet ownership and providing animal related services to both people and animals for over 37 years.