Frequently Asked Questions
Who Needs a King County Pet License?
All dogs and cats who reside in King County (except the cities of Seattle, Renton, Des Moines, Medina, Normandy Park, and Newcastle - these cities have their own pet licensing facility and administration) must be licensed by King County.
What about Adoption Services?
King County has many wonderful pets waiting for the right home. For more information, please call 206.296.PETS and press 53 on your touchtone phone.
How do I go about Getting a Pet License?
A pet license can be purchased at SeaTac City Hall or through King County by calling 206.296.2712 for an application. If your pet license was purchased at SeaTac City Hall, you will need your renewal notice (which is mailed to you by King County) and payment before new tags will be issued. If paying by check at City Hall, your check should be payable to City of SeaTac. If you do not have a renewal notice, or if you are purchasing a license for a new pet, you will need to complete an application which is available at City Hall. To purchase an altered pet license, you need proof that the pet has been spayed/neutered by a veterinary hospital. Many other cities also license pets. For a list of locations, please contact King County at 206.296.2712.
Eligible King County residents can obtain a pet license online using this page.
Regional Animal Services of King County also sells pet licenses door-to-door to educate the community about the benefits of licensing your pet, for your convenience, and to help you avoid a fine for unlicensed pets. Cities currently being served by door-to-door marketers include the City of SeaTac.
Door-to-door marketers have official King County photo identification and wear bright blue polo shirts or windbreakers or winter jackets with the pet licensing logo. Summer and fall hours are generally Sundays 1 PM to 8 PM, Mondays - Fridays 4:00 to 8:30 PM and Saturdays 10 AM to 7 PM. Door-to-door marketers accept payment and issue license tags for your dogs and cats right while they are at your doorstep.
What are the Fees for a Pet License?
Pet license fees are set by King County. Please visit their website for the most current information about King County Pet licensing and associated costs.
What is the fine if my pet is unlicensed?
Until October 1, 2010, King County residents in the Regional Animal Services service area have an amnesty period to license their previoulsy unlicensed pets without facing a fine.
After October 1, 2010, the fine for an unlicensed pet will be $125.00 for a spayed/neutered pet, and up to $250.00 for an unaltered pet. A no-tolerance policy takes effect October 1, 2010 with no warning before receiving a fine for unlicensed pets.
King County Animal Care and Control (main page)
Animal licensing questions and answers (such as cost)