Forgot to license your pets? Worried about late fees? During October Amnesty, Pierce County residents can license their pets without paying late fees.

Next month, residents in unincorporated Pierce County, Bonney Lake, Sumner, Puyallup, Milton, Edgewood, Tacoma, University Place, Lakewood, Roy, Algona, Pacific, South Prairie and Carbonado can license their pets and avoid the late fees.

“October Amnesty was created to encourage residents to renew their pet’s license. The automatic waiving of late fees is a joint campaign by the Pierce County Auditor’s Office and partner pet licensing agencies,” said Auditor Julie Anderson. “Renewal options include online, by mail, or in person at any of our offices. We hope pet owners take advantage of this great opportunity.”

“The City of Tacoma is excited to join in this amnesty campaign with our partner pet licensing agencies,” said Jenni Barrett, Animal Licensing Operations Manager. “The amnesty period provides an opportunity for pet owners to provide their pet a ticket home and comply with the law. They can simply apply for a current year’s pet license online, by mail or in person with no late fees involved.”

A license lets people know that your pet is a cherished member of your family, and a license is often your pet’s ticket home. When animal control officers find a pet wearing a license, every attempt is made to return the pet home, saving the owner a trip to the shelter and impound fees. A pet license improves public safety and, it’s the law.

Licensing fees vary, depending on where you live, the type of pet, and whether the 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.

More information is available by visiting your local pet licensing website.