Pet Owners Can Avoid Late Fees In September

(The following information was provided by thePierce County.)

Have you forgotten to license your pets? Are you worried about late fees? If you are one of the many who have forgotten to renew or license your pets, take advantage of a unique chance to avoid all late fees in September.

Local pet licensing officials have joined forces to declare September as Pet License Amnesty Month. Residents in unincorporated Pierce County, Tacoma, University Place, Lakewood, Roy, Algona, Bonney Lake, Milton, Edgewood, Pacific, Puyallup, Sumner, Wilkeson, South Prairie and Carbonado can license their pets and avoid the late fees.

"The Pierce County Auditor's Office is joining with our partner pet licensing agencies to waive late fees. We encourage residents to renew their pet's license," said Auditor Julie Anderson. "It's never been easier. You can obtain a pet license online, by mail, or in person at any of our offices."

Owners who care about their pets will want to take advantage of this opportunity to renew or purchase a new license. A pet license provides identification and improves public safety. And, it's the law.

"The City of Tacoma is excited to join in this amnesty campaign with our partner pet licensing agencies," said Jenni Barrett, Animal Licensing Operations Manager. "The amnesty period provides an opportunity for pet owners to provide their pet a ticket home and comply with the law. They can simply apply for a current year's pet license online, by mail or in person with no late fees involved."

A license lets people know that your pet is a cherished member of your family, and a license is often your pet's ticket home. When animal control officers pick up a pet wearing a license, every attempt is made to return the pet home, saving the owner a trip to the shelter and impound fees.

Licensing fees begin at $4 and vary, depending on where you live, the type of pet, and whether the cat or dog has been spayed or neutered.

The amnesty program expires Sept. 30. Failure to license a pet on time, or during this special amnesty month, can result in late fees up to $30 per animal.

For more information, contact the Pierce County Auditor's Office at 253-798-7445 or go to 
www.piercecountywa.org/pets.