Seattle Animal Shelter to increase leash, scoop and license patrols

Seattle Animal Shelter humane law enforcement officers are stepping up patrols in local parks and off-leash areas to make sure pets have current licenses and to enforce leash and scoop laws.

“These are easy ways to protect pets, our environment and public safety,” notes Don Jordan, Seattle Animal Shelter’s director. “Picking up after pets and keeping them leashed, as required, helps prevent conflict and ensures all community members can enjoy our public parks.”

Jordan confirms that pet licenses help the Seattle Animal Shelter save more lives. A license is a simple, yet important metal ID tag featuring the pet’s license number and the Seattle Pet Licensing phone number. Pet owners are also encouraged to add their microchip number to their pet’s license record.

Owners can update their contact information in the shelter’s pet license database as often as needed, free of charge, and can even include vacation alerts when owners are away and alternate pet-sitter contacts. License information makes it possible for lost pets to avoid a trip to the shelter, resulting in less stress on the animal, owner and shelter resources.

All pet license fees directly support Seattle Animal Shelter programs, which include humane law enforcement investigations of cruelty and neglect, a low-cost spay and neuter clinic, and progressive foster care and adoption programs that work together to help thousands of animals each year.

A one- or two-year license costs $20 to $37 for spayed and neutered pets and $30 to $69 for unaltered pets. Discounts are available for seniors and adults with disabilities with a Seattle Gold or FLASH card.

Owners can purchase pet licenses online or by any of the methods below

• Call the shelter at (206) 386-4262.
• Stop by the shelter at 2061 15th Ave. W., Seattle.
• Mail an application to the shelter.
• Visit one of over 50 partner locations.

Humane law enforcement officers will issue citations to pet owners for each pet without a current license. The penalty for having an unlicensed animal is $125, and other fines are listed on the shelter’s website.

Officers will follow up with pet owners this winter who have expired licenses, and will continue to conduct patrols in Seattle parks and off-leash areas to ensure compliance with pet-related laws.