How does a pet license benefit my pet and me?
Found pets can be reunited quickly with their owner. License fees also help to fund the cost of shelter and medical care for lost pets. In addition, license fees help pay for animal control services.
What to do if I found a lost pet?
If you find a dog or cat with a City of Tacoma tag, please contact Animal Licensing at (253) 627-PETS (7387) for pet owner information. If there is no tag, typically walking the pet around the neighborhood can easily reunite the pet to its owner. For more tips on reuniting pets with owners, refer to the resources below.
Humane Society Resource for Lost Pets
Humane Society Resource for Loose Cat
If you have found a stray animal and cannot locate the owner, the Tacoma & Pierce County Humane Society located at, 2608 Center St., will accept the animal. Please call 253-383-2733 or visit thehumansociety.org for information and to set an appointment. The Humane Society uses an appointment-based system to turn in lost pets. This allows the shelter to plan for incoming animals and ensure all of the animal’s needs are met.
How do I report a found pet?
To report a found pet, call 253-627-PETS (7387) or go online at TacomaFIRST 311.
Are you seeing an increase in pet waste building up in your neighborhood?
Become a Pet Waste Station Sponsor! Visit this web page for program details and application.
Where is the Animal Licensing office located and what hours do you operate?
We are located at 747 Market Street, Room 212, Tacoma, WA 98402 and are open Monday - Friday from 8 AM until 5 PM excluding holidays.
Is the Humane Society still sheltering lost and found animals?
Yes, the Humane Society uses an appointment-based system to turn in lost and and found pets. This allows the shelter to plan for incoming animals and ensure all of the animal’s needs are met. The Humane Society continues 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.
How do I contact Animal Control?
Call 253-627-PETS (7387) or submit a form at TacomaFIRST 311.
How long is a license good for?
Animal licenses are valid for a period of 12 months from the date of issuance and expire on the last day of the month.
Are my pets required to wear the license tag at all times?
The City issues permanent metal tags that are required to be worn by dogs at all times. If a cat has been micro chipped and the number registered with City of Tacoma Animal Licensing, the cat is not required to display a tag. The microchip must be acceptable and readable by the animal control officer.
How much will an animal license cost?
Tacoma Fees
Fircrest Fees
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, after this first replacement, will cost $5 for City of Tacoma residents. Replacement tags for City of Fircrest residents are $5. If you are a senior citizen or meet disability requirements, your pet's replacement tag is only $2.
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. Information can be found on the
Dangerous Dog web page.
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.
What do I do if my neighbor's pets get loose and creates a nuisance?
Call Tacoma Animal Care and Control at TacomaFIRST 311 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 testify in court. Additionally, Animal Care and Control Officers may ask you to help establish additional evidence (i.e. testimony from neighbors) so they may take enforcement action.