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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does a pet license benefit my pet and me?
2. Is the Humane Society still sheltering lost and found animals?
3. Where is the Animal Licensing office located and when are you open?
4. What are the licensing fees?
5. How long is a license good for?
6. My pet's license tag was lost, how much is a replacement?
7. How do you determine that a dog is dangerous or potentially dangerous and can I appeal that determination?
8. How do I appeal if my dog is determined to be dangerous or potentially dangerous?
9. What do I do if my neighbor's pet(s) get loose and creates a nuisance?
10. What should I do if I suspect someone is being cruel to, or neglecting, a pet?
How does a pet license benefit my pet and me?
Found pets can be reunited quickly with their owner. To report a found pet, please call us at 627 - PETS (7387)
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Is the Humane Society still sheltering lost and found animals?
The Humane Society will continue to offer the same vital programs and services to the community, including adoptions, education, nursing home visitations, spay/neuter programs, community outreach and pet behavior assistance.
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Where is the Animal Licensing office located and what hours do you operate?
The Animal Licensing office is located at 733 Market Street, Room 21, downtown Tacoma. We are open Monday thru Friday from 8 am - 5 pm.
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What are the licensing fees?
The fees for the City of Tacoma can be found here. The licensing fees for the City of Fircrest can be found here.
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How Long is a license good for?
The license will remain in force for a period of 12 months from the date of issuance and expire the last day of the 12th month. The applicant will be furnished with a permanent metal tag that is required to be worn by the cat or dog at all times. The exception to this law is that cats need not display a license tag if the cat is licensed and has been implanted with a microchip for which the number is registered with the City. The microchip must be acceptable and readable by the animal control officer.
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My pet's license tag was lost, how much is a replacement?
Replacement tags are free for the first occurrence within the one year renewal period. Additional replacements (2+) will cost $5.00 for City of Tacoma residents. Replacement tags for City of Fircrest residents are $5.00 unless you are a Senior Citizen or meet disability requirements. In that case, your replacement tag is only $2.00.
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How do you determine that a dog is dangerous or potentially dangerous?
Several criteria are considered before a dog is determined to be dangerous or potentially dangerous. RCW 16.08.070 Dangerous dogs and related definitions are adopted by reference in the Tacoma Municipal Code Title 17 . For the City of Fircrest, Dangerous dogs and related definitions are adopted by reference in the City of Fircrest Municipal Code Title 7.
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How do I appeal if my dog is determined to be dangerous or potentially dangerous?
Specific instructions are listed in Title 17 of the Tacoma Municipal Code and are paraphrased below:
If you wish to appeal the decision of the animal control officer before the Chief of Police or his designee, you may do so within ten (10) days of the date of personal service or mailing or first publication pursuant to Section 17.04.030.B by submitting a written request to the Finance Department of the City with the payment of a $25 administrative review fee.
If the Chief of Police or his designee finds sufficient evidence to support the declaration, the owner may then appeal such decision to the Hearing Examiner of the City by filing a request for hearing along with the payment of a fee of $75.00 to the office of the Hearing Examiner within ten days of service, as set forth in 17.04.030.B.
Furthermore, if the Hearing Examiner finds sufficient evidence to support the declaration, any dangerous or potentially dangerous dog which attacks a human being or domestic animal may be ordered destroyed if no appeal is timely filed when, in the Hearing Examiner's judgment, such dog represents a continuing threat or serious harm to human beings or domestic animals.
Appeals of the Hearing Examiner's decision must be taken in the Superior Court of Pierce County within 21 days of the date of the written decision. Furthermore, if the court finds sufficient evidence to support the declaration, any dangerous or potentially dangerous dog which attacks a human being or domestic animal may be ordered destroyed when, in the court's judgment, such dangerous or potentially dangerous dog represents a continuing threat or serious harm to human beings or domestic animals.
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What do I do if my neighbor's pets get loose and creates a nuisance?
Call Tacoma Animal Care and Control immediately at (253) 627-PETS (7387) and request that an officer investigate your compliant. If violations of local ordinances are found, the pet owner may be cited or the animal(s) may be taken in to custody. If this occurs, the owner must pay the fees and/or penalties when redeeming the animal from the animal shelter. When serious violations are reported such as animal cruelty or dangerous animals, you may need to be willing to testify in court. Additionally, Animal Care and Control Officers may need to ask you to help establish additional evidence (i.e. testimony from neighbors) so they may take enforcement action. If there is no immediate danger to you or others around you, please fill out the online service request form available soon.
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What should I do if I suspect someone is being cruel to, or neglecting, a pet?
If you suspect neglect of a pet that is causing suffering, collect pertinent information such as the person's name, address, phone, description of the animal(s), a brief history of the situation and any other specifics such as the exact location where the animal(s) can be found. Then call The City of Tacoma Animal Care and Control to report it. If you are witnessing deliberate cruelty causing severe injury or death to an animal, call 911 and request police intervention.
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733 Market Street, Room 21, Tacoma WA, 98402
HOURS: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
(253) - 627 - PETS (7387)
  Click here to request more information about pet licenses
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