Pet license ‘amnesty’ offered in April for cat and dog owners

Published 3:53 pm Friday, March 29, 2013

From staff reports:

Pet owners in Federal Way and a good portion of King County are being offered the chance to take advantage of “pet license amnesty” for the month of April.

According to the county, pet owners who have pets with expired licenses can renew their old pet license, or in the case of a new animal, get a new license, without facing late fees or other penalties.

“About 25 percent of our pet owners fail to renew their licenses each year,” said Dan 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 license. This amnesty program gives people a chance to get caught up without having to pay extra fines that can add up to hundreds of dollars.”

In Federal Way, “all cats or dogs over five months old” must be licensed with the city. Licensing also requires a current rabies vaccination. Federal Way residents can register their animals online at cityoffederalway.com or apply in person at City Hall, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those wanting more information can also call (253) 835-7387.

The rates for a pet license in Federal Way are as follows:

• Spayed or neutered cat: $20/one year, $35/two years, $50/three years

• Spayed or neutered dog: $25/one year, $45/two years, $65/three years

• Unaltered cat: $60/one year

• Unaltered dog: $60/one year

For unincorporated King County residents, information on where to register can be found at www.kingcounty.gov/pets.