Amnesty for pet licenses during April

Seattle and King County offer license amnesty to pet owners this April --

Late renewal fees and citations for expired animal licenses suspended during special event

This April, pet owners in Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Seattle, 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.

“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 Regional Partner Cities including Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, and Shoreline are required to license with King County:

King County pet owners can go to the King County webpage then click on “License Your Pet” to renew a pet license online. 

Licenses are also sold at Kenmore City Hall, Lake Forest Park City Hall, PAWS in Lynnwood, QFC at 15th NE and 145th, QFC on Richmond Beach Road, the two Shoreline Police Storefronts (Richmond Beach Rd next to QFC, and Ridgecrest at 165th and 5th NE), Shoreline City Hall

Full list of pet licensing locations 

King County Pet License Rates

All King County pet licenses, except those for kittens or puppies, expire one year after issuance.

• Kitten or puppy (under six months old, license expires six months after issuance): $15
• Spayed or neutered dog or cat (over six months old): $30
• Unaltered dog or cat (over six months old): $60
• Dog or cat license for senior citizen residents: $15
• Dog or cat license for disabled residents: $15
• License for registered service animals: Free

For Pet Owners in the City of Seattle

Seattle pet owners can purchase or renew their pet licenses online from the convenience of their homes. Late renewal fees and citations are suspended for the month of April. To access this service, go to www.seattleanimalshelter.org. You can also purchase a Seattle pet license at most City of Seattle Neighborhood Service Centers, other community locations, or at the Seattle Animal Shelter, 2061 15th Ave W, Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 6pm. Please check the “Purchase or Renew a License” section on our website for all payment locations.

Seattle Pet License Rates

One-year license                                        Two-year license
Dog: $47 ($27 if spayed or neutered)         Dog: $69 ($37)
Cat: $30 ($20 if spayed or neutered)          Cat: $45 ($27 )
*Miniature Goat: $20                                  Miniature Goat: $30

*Potbellied pig: $120 for first year; $30 annual renewal

*Restrictions apply: Please call 206-386-4262 for details

For more information about pet licensing, call the Seattle Animal Shelter at 206-386-PETS (7387), Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) at 206-296-PETS (7387), the City of Bothell at 1-877-816-7058, or the City of Federal Way at 253-835-PETS (7387).