Pet license amnesty program expires soon

Time is running out for pet owners in much of Pierce County to take advantage of a program that waives late fees or past-due amounts for licenses.

May is Pet License Amnesty Month, which means residents in unincorporated Pierce County and the towns of Wilkeson, South Prairie and Carbonado can renew or obtain pet licenses without penalty. To date, 515 people have responded to the program, which began May 1.

Residents can take advantage of the program online or by mail through May 31. Since May 31 is a holiday, in-person renewals can be made through Friday, May 28.

"A pet license provides identification and improves public safety," said Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson. "It's also the law."

Animal Services for Pierce County is a division of the Auditor's Office. The division provides animal control and pet license services throughout unincorporated Pierce County and to the towns of Wilkeson, South Prairie and Carbonado.

"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," said Tim Anderson, Animal Control Manager. "When animal control picks up a pet wearing a license we make every attempt to return the pet home, saving the owner a trip to the shelter and impound fees."

Licensing fees range from $5 to $55, depending on whether the type of pet and whether it has been spayed or neutered.

Failure to license a pet on time can result in late fees up to $20 per animal, as well as a fine of $120.

More information is available by visiting www.piercecountywa.org/pets or calling the Auditor's Licensing Division at (253) 798-7445.