Pierce County Pet Licensing

You can now purchase your Pet License Online

We have made it easier than ever for residents of unincorporated Pierce County and contract Towns of Wilkeson, South Prairie and Carbonado to license their pets.

To license a NEW pet or to RENEW a license, click here.

($1.50 convenience fee for the online transaction)

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

PET LICENSE FORM l FEES l GENERAL INFORMATION

For your convenience, you can also purchase a NEW pet license or RENEW your pet's license at the following locations:

McCallum License Agency

Parkland Auto Licensing

EZ Auto Title & Licensing

16126 Meridian E, Puyallup

215 South Garfield, Tacoma

22225 Mtn Hwy E, Spanaway

(253) 841-0245

(253) 537-3112

(253) 875-7732

Sumner Veterinary Hospital

Bayside Animal Lodge

Pet Ponderosa Resorts & Spas

16024 60th St E, Sumner

12615 134th Ave KPN, Gig Harbor

9211 204th St E, Graham

(253) 863-2258

(253) 851-9170

(253) 847-7763

Paws - Abilities

7338 26th St, Bldg F, Fife

(253) 486-6557

*Please note: Additional agent fee will apply.

Click here to verify that your address is NOT within city limits.

New Permanent Tag Policy

Pierce County Animal Services has adopted a new permanent tag policy. We will now issue a permanent license tag for your animal. The license tag that you receive will be a permanent tag issued for the life of the animal. You will receive an annual license renewal notice that will be sent with the same expiration date as your current license. Replacement tags are available for $5.00.

pet tags We now offer Personalized Tags for purchase in addition to your pet's license. Various size, shapes and colors are available.

Click here for order form and more information.

These personalized tags do NOT replace your Pierce County Pet License.

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 blue pages 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 altered dogs (spayed/neutered) is $20.00. For unaltered dogs the fee is $55.00.
The license fee for altered cats (spayed/neutered) is $12.00. For unaltered cats the fee is $55.00.
Seniors 62 and older and individuals with disabilities are also eligible for reduced rates. The fee for unaltered dogs and cats $30.00. The Senior license fee for altered dogs (spayed/neutered) is $10.00 and for altered cats (spayed/neutered) is $5.00.
Juvenile tags are available for dogs and cats 9 weeks-6 months in age 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.
Delinquent payments received without late fee cannot be processed. 30-59 days past due $10 and 60+ days past due $20
Failure to maintain a current license can result in a fine of $120 per unlicensed pet.
Additional Engraved Personalized Pet Tags are available in various shapes, colors and sizes. small tags $6.00 large tags $8.00 Contact our office for more information 253-798-7445.

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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 Licensing Division for current licensed pet businesses in unincorporated Pierce County. (253) 798-7445 or pcauditor@co.pierce.wa.us

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Pierce County Auditor's Office
Pet License | (253)798-7445
2401 S 35th St, Room 200, Tacoma, WA 98409