Pierce County residents who have failed to license their pets can avoid all late fees during Pet License Amnesty Month.

During October, residents in unincorporated Pierce County, Tacoma, University Place, Lakewood, Roy, Algona, Bonney Lake, Milton, Edgewood, Pacific, Puyallup, Sumner, South Prairie and Carbonado will be able to license their pets and avoid late fees.

A license is often a pet’s return ticket home. When animal control officers find a pet wearing a license, every attempt is made to return the pet to its owner, saving the owner a trip to the shelter and impound fees.

Licensing fees vary, depending on where people live, the type of pet, and whether a cat or dog has been spayed or neutered.

The amnesty program expires Oct. 31. Failure to license a pet on time, or during this special amnesty month, can result in late fees up to $20 per animal.