Being a pet owner requires all sorts of responsibility. One that is often overlooked is getting your pet licensed. In the count of Spokane alone, only 12 percent of pets are estimated to be licensed.
Failing to license your pet can hinder your chances of getting them back if picked up by SCRAPS and can get you in trouble with the law.
If the above isn’t reason enough for you to properly register your pet, here are a few more reasons why you should:
1. It’s the law. In Spokane County it’s mandatory that owners have their pets licensed with SCRAPS. If you get caught without a license, which can and does happen, you will be fined. Pets must have a renewed license each year, which must be displayed on them at all times. Both dogs and cats are required to have a license in Spokane County.
2. If your pet goes missing, having him licensed drastically improves your chances of getting him back. A license tag helps animal control quickly identify your pet and get him back to you safely. If your pet is found wandering the streets, SCRAPS can easily look up your pet via its license number.
3. The cost of the license is far less than the penalty for being caught without one. If a SCRAPS Animal Protection Officer finds your pet without a license, you can end up paying a fee of up to $200!
4. License fees support the efforts of SCRAPS. The annual fee that you pay to license your dog helps fund our spay/neuter voucher program. This program gives a money-off voucher towards sterilization for anyone who licenses their pet. By paying to properly ID your pet, you are helping to end the number of unwanted dogs and cats found on the streets.
5. Even if your pet is micro-chipped, a license is still required. A microchip is invisible to the eye and can occasionally go undetected. It is highly recommended that all pets be microchipped and wear a valid license.
Take a look at the numbers:
60% of dogs are reunited with owners by SCRAPS
3% of cats are reunited with their owners
41,297 dogs are licensed
15,768 cats are licensed
Licensed pets are far more likely to find their way home.
Cost of a license:
Spayed/neutered – cats $15, dogs $25
Non-spayed/neutered – cats $25, dogs $50
Penalty – cats $20, dogs $20
Replacement tag – cats $2, dogs $2
Seniors (age 65 or older) may take a $5 discount for one cat license or a $10 discount for one dog license per household for a spayed/neutered pet only. Service dogs and dogs trained to be guide or signal dogs receive a free license with the proper documentation.
Licenses are available at SCRAPS or online at www.spokanecounty.org/SCRAPS
SCRAPS’ shelter is full of pets that “never leave the house.” Animals are resourceful! Natural disasters, aberrant weather, and fireworks also often cause animals to become anxious and flee their property. A license identifies you as the pet’s owner and provides animal control officers with the necessary information to reunite you and your pet.
SOURCE – SCRAPS flyer, 2015
