Chapter 6.08
LICENSING OF DOGS

Sections:

6.08.010    License required.

6.08.020    Application.

6.08.030    Exemptions.

6.08.040    License condition.

6.08.050    Penalties.

6.08.010 License required.

Except as otherwise provided herein, every adult (over the age of four months) dog kept or harbored within the city shall be licensed, regardless of the type of animal facility in which such dog is kept or harbored. (Ord. 1388 § 1, 2017: Ord. 1105 § 2 (part), 2004)

6.08.020 Application.

A.    Application for license shall be made within thirty days of becoming an adult dog, or within thirty days of being moved into the city, or within thirty days of acquisition by the owner, whichever event occurs last. Applications shall be made upon forms furnished by the animal control authority, accompanied by the fee specified in the city’s most current fee schedule, and accompanied by a current rabies vaccination certificate.

B.    The owner shall fill out a printed application form specifying his name and address, whether the license is for a guard dog, and the name, breed, color, sex and age, if known, of each dog kept. Each owner shall also attach written proof for each such dog that the dog has been inoculated for rabies. (Ord. 1105 § 2 (part), 2004)

6.08.030 Exemptions.

A.    Any adult dog kept or harbored at an animal services facility, in a kennel (commercial or hobby) or at a research facility using animals on behalf of a party other than the operator of such kennel or facility, or kept or harbored for breeding services for no more than seven days shall be exempt from the license requirements of this section while kept or harbored at such kennel or facility.

B.    Dogs who are specially trained and designated to assist visually impaired, hearing impaired or otherwise physically disabled persons, if the dog is in training or actually serving as a guide or service dog as defined by Chapter 70.84 RCW, are required to be licensed; however, they are exempt from any licensing fees. (Ord. 1105 § 2 (part), 2004)

6.08.040 License condition.

The animal control authority shall issue animal licenses consisting of a metal tag with a number corresponding to the number of the application to the applicant. In addition, the following shall also apply to all dog licenses:

A.    Licenses are not transferable to any other animal.

B.    All licenses provided for in this chapter shall be in compliance with terms established from time to time by the city council. Late fees accrue as provided in the city’s most current fee schedule.

C.    License tags shall be securely displayed upon the animal at all times.

D.    Replacement fee for a lost, valid animal license tag shall be as provided in the city’s most current fee schedule. (Ord. 1105 § 2 (part), 2004)

6.08.050 Penalties.

A.    Civil Infractions. Any person violating any of the provisions of this section is guilty of a civil infraction subject to the provisions contained in Section 1.32.020, Civil infractions. The first offense shall be a Class III civil infraction. The second offense shall be a Class II civil infraction. The third offense shall be a Class I civil infraction. (Ord. 1105 § 2 (part), 2004)