Washington Dog License Requirements

Washington does not run a single statewide licensing program, but state law lets counties or cities require dog licenses, and many do.

Washington dog license at a glance

What Washington law says

• RCW 36.49.020 has the county treasurer issue numbered licenses and tags.
• Owners must keep the current tag on the dog's collar.
• Counties may create dog control zones with licensing after a public hearing (16.10.020-.040).

How to find out if your Washington city or county requires a license

1. Check your city or county animal services or animal control website; it usually lists license rules and fees.
2. If you live outside city limits, check the county rules, which can differ from the city's.
3. Have your rabies certificate ready; local licenses almost always require proof of rabies vaccination.
4. Ask whether a microchip, spay/neuter proof or a multi-year license lowers the fee.

Licenses, rabies shots and microchips

Dog licenses and rabies vaccination usually go together: the license office or the veterinarian checks the rabies certificate before a tag is issued. See Washington rabies vaccination laws for the required age and booster rules. A license tag helps animal control return a lost dog quickly, and a microchip is a permanent backup if the collar comes off.

What happens if your dog is not licensed?

Where a local license is required, an unlicensed dog found at large can be picked up by animal control, and getting it back usually means paying impound fees and buying the license. Penalties are listed above where the state statute sets them; local ordinances often add their own fines. Leash and at-large rules are covered in Washington leash laws.

Sources

1. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: Washington dog laws
2. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: Table of state rabies vaccination laws