New penalty for unlicensed King County pets

Pet owners of King County: Beware. The county will be slapping a $75 penalty on all pet owners who have not purchased a license for their pets.

  • BY Wire Service
  • Friday, March 13, 2009 8:06pm
  • News

Pet owners of King County: Beware.

The county will be slapping a $75 penalty on all pet owners who have not purchased a license for their pets.

“The … penalty is aimed at increasing the number of pet owners in unincorporated King County who protect their pets with a license,” a press release from the county read, calling the fee a “proven approach” to getting people to ante up for their animals.

The county will begin issuing the penalties April 1.

King County has modeled the penalty after a City of Seattle program that increased pet licensing after the agency instituted licensing fines. Pet owners won’t get hit with the fine if they take the county’s offer to buy a pet license.

“Those who refuse to license their pet after this opportunity will be assessed a $75 penalty,” the county press release reads.

“The new penalty will get people’s attention but licensing your pet is really about being a responsible pet owner,” said Carolyn Ableman, Director of the Records and Licensing Services Division. “It is simply a tool that will increase the chances that you will be reunited with your dog or cat if it get lost by making sure animal control staff have a record of how to reach you. We’re confident that this new penalty will increase the number of pets in unincorporated King County that are reunited with their owner, rather than housed and put up for adoption at the county’s expense.”

County staff said the license gives pet owners the following services:

• The first time a licensed pet is found running loose, the 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,” the press release reads.

• Owners of licensed pets are eligible for the Vacation Pet Alert program. Pet owners can alert the county when they are on vacation and provide the number for their pet’s caretaker so that if their pet gets loose, animal control staff can reach the right person in the owner’s absence.

• Staff will pick up an owner’s pet from their home at no charge, should the owner need to release it to the county.

• The county’s euthanasia service is free.

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 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.

Learn more

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.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

Courtesy Photo, King County
Prolific tagger faces charges for damage to Kent water tower

Man one of dozens who reportedly tagged properties across King County, including West Hill tower

t
Federal Way man charged in Kent I-5 crash that killed passenger

Documents state that evidence reportedly showed he was the driver, but he blamed the passenger.

The Kent Police Department went all out with their “Moana” themed display - even Maui showed up. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
The Hogwarts Express pulls into Battle of the Badges | Photos

The 2024 Battle of the Badges took over the Renton Technical College on Dec. 14.

Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police
City of Kent crime numbers drop in 2024 compared to 2023

Vehicle thefts, commercial burglaries and robberies see big decreases

Courtesy Photo, Kent School District
Kent School District says it ‘will do better next time’ with school closures

Late notifications issued about closures after Dec. 18 windstorm

t
Kent Police arrest pair for downtown robbery of pedestrian

Reportedly used pepper spray to attack Kent man, 56, as he walked on sidewalk Dec. 16

Meeker Middle School, one of six schools closed Wednesday, Dec. 18 in the Kent School District due to power outages from a windstorm. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Windstorm causes closure of six Kent schools due to power outages

Four elementary, two middle schools closed Wednesday, Dec. 18; couple of city roads closed

Volunteers wrap gifts during the 2023 Toys for Joy program. COURTESY PHOTO, Puget Sound Fire
Puget Sound Fire puts out plea for more Toys for Joy donations

Toys needed for children ages 9 to 12; more bikes, scooters requested; deadline is Dec. 20

t
Kent man, 19, faces multiple charges after pursuit near Wenatchee

Driver reportedly fails to stop for state trooper, crashes stolen vehicle along State Route 97

Kent School District Board Director Awale Farah, left, and Superintendent Israel Vela at a high school graduation last summer. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Awale Farah resigns immediately from Kent School Board

Says because of ‘family commitments’ he cannot fulfill rest of his term that expires in November 2025

t
Kent’s Lower Russell Levee project receives John Spellman Award

City, King County Flood District and other partners recognized for historic preservation

Northwood Middle School, 17007 SE 184th St., in unincorporated part of King County in Renton and part of the Kent School District. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Calls about man trying to access Northwood Middle School causes lockdown

Deputies arrest man for investigation of resisting arrest, obstruction at Kent School District property