Good Reasons for Licensing Your Dog

— from Milene Henley, San Juan County Auditor —

A San Juan County resident traveled to Los Angeles with her dog. A mishap occurred, and the dog ran off. A Los Angeles resident found the dog and called the Auditor’s office, because the dog was wearing a San Juan County dog license. Auditor staff were able to reach the dog owner using the cell phone number on the dog licensing record. Dog and owner were re-united, from 1200 miles away.

This happy ending was made possible by the purchase of a $15 dog license.

Locally, a dangerous dog attacked and killed a dairy cow on an island farm. The livestock owner was compensated $1,000 for the loss of the animal.

This ending was also made possible by the purchase of dog tags.

Funds collected under San Juan County’s dog licensing program support local shelters, compensate farmers for livestock killed by dogs, maintain the licensing program – and re-unite dogs with their owners.

All dogs in San Juan County over the age of three months are required to be licensed annually. Licenses for spayed or neutered dogs cost $15. Unneutered dog tags are $40. For better identification and added peace of mind, owners can add photos of their dogs for just $5 additional.

Get your 2018 dog license today at the following locations:

• Lopez Island: Sunset Builders, Lopez Animal Protection Society
• Orcas Island: Pawki’s for Pets, Eastsound Kennels, Orcas APS
• San Juan Island: San Juan County Auditor, Harbor Vet, Friday Harbor Animal Protection Society

Avoid a $10 late fee by renewing your dog license by March 31.

For more information, contact the Auditor’s Office at (360) 378-2161.