Pierce County Pet Licensing

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General Information | Benefits | Fees | Unsafe Animals | Pet License Form

Click here for Pet Ownership Status Form (No longer have pet)

Click here for information regarding Pet Business Licenses.

General information about pet licensing.

Pet licenses are required by law for all dogs and cats living in Pierce County. Fees from pet licenses fund the cost of shelter and medical care for homeless pets, help reunite strays with their owners and find loving homes for other shelter pets.

Pierce County is in charge of issuing pet licenses and providing Animal Control Services to residents of the unincorporated areas of Pierce County. The Humane Society will continue to shelter pets.

City residents should call their local animal control and licensing service. Phone numbers can be found in the bluepages of the phone directory.

For most animal related issues, residents of unincorporated Pierce County can call 798-PETS (7387) for assistance. If an animal is attacking a human or another animal, residents should call 911 immediately.

You may purchase your pet license through the mail, or in person at the office of the Pierce County Auditor. We are located in the Pierce County Annex, 2401 S. 35th St. Room 200, Tacoma, WA 98409. Checks are payable to Pierce County.

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Benefits of pet licensing.

A pet license is an up-to-date, visible identification for your pet.
A pet license means anyone finding your pet knows it is a cherished part of the family and not an abandoned animal in need of a new home.
A pet license makes it possible for a pet to be returned to you without ever entering the shelter.
A pet license allows shelter staff to waive the impound fee the first time your pet enters the shelter wearing a current license.

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License fees.

The license fee for adult dogs that have been spayed or neutered is $20.00. For adult dogs that have not been spayed or neutered, the fee is $55.00.
For adult cats that have been spayed or neutered, the fee is $12.00. The fee for cats that have not been spayed or neutered is $55.00.
Seniors 65 and older and individuals with disabilities are also eligible for reduced rates. The fee for dogs and cats that have not been spayed or neutered is $30.00. The Senior license fee for adult dogs that have been spayed or neutered is $10.00 and for adult cats that have been spayed or neutered it is $5.00.
Juvenile tags are available for dogs and cats and are valid for six months. Fee for a dog is $10.00 and a cat is $6.00.
Pet licenses are valid for one year after purchase. Replacement tags for all animals are $5.00.
Veterinary proof of spay/neuter must be provided to obtain reduced fees.

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Unsafe Animals.

It is against the law to keep or own wild animals in unincorporated Pierce County that are considered potentially dangerous wild animals. Refer to RCW 16.30.010 to obtain a list of these animals.

Wild animals not on the list may be kept in Pierce County providing the owner obtains a permit and demonstrates adequate safeguards have been taken to protect individuals and property.

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Pet Business Licenses

Pet business licenses are required by law in unincorporated Pierce County to provide for the humane care and treatment of animals and to protect the health and safety of the public.

If you own, maintain or operate a commercial, hobby, foster, or private kennel or cattery, or own six or more dogs and/or cats, you must obtain a business license from the Pierce County Auditor's Office.

A license is also required for grooming parlors, short-term boarding facilities and pet shops.

If you are unsure if you operate a commercial pet business, definitions are provided in the Pierce County Code, Chapter 5.24.

Pet business license fees:

Commercial Kennel or Cattery $250.00
Boarding Kennel or Cattery $200.00
Foster Shelter/Kennel/Cattery $75.00 if spayed/neutered, $150.00 if not
Hobby Kennel/Cattery (Six to 20 dogs and/or cats) $150.00
Grooming Parlor $100.00
Pet Shop $200.00
Private Kennel/Cattery $150.00

Inspections

To make sure animals are treated humanely and the health of the community is protected, Pierce County must be allowed to inspect all animals and premises at reasonable intervals. An owner's permit or license may be revoked if the inspection is not permitted.

Contact the Pierce County Auditor at (253) 798-7445.

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