Got a furry friend at home? Renton Police Department wants local pet owners to make sure their pets are licensed and microchipped, in case they get lost.
A large percentage of pets retrieved by Animal Control aren’t licensed. According to Commander Chad Karlewicz, nearly 60 to 70 percent of lost pets don’t have licensing, making it difficult to reunite pets with their owners.
To reduce that percentage, RPD is spreading the word regarding licensing and free microchipping services that are available only to Renton residents.
LICENSING
RPD is asking pet owners to ensure all dogs and cats that are aged 4 months or older are licensed, as required by city law. The license must be on the animal at all times and renewed annually. Owners of unlicensed pets can be charged up to $250 when claiming their animals through animal control.
If you aged 61 or older, and meet certain income qualifications , you might be qualified to purchase a permanent license. These licenses are not transferable. Call 425-430-6924 to find out if you qualify for these licenses.
Licensing fees are $30 for an altered dog or cat and $50 for an unaltered dog or cat. A veterinarian’s certificate is required to prove the animal has been altered to receive the altered rate.
To apply for these licenses, fill out the application at http://bit.ly/RentonAnimalLicense and mail it to Animal License Services at Renton City Hall.
EASTSIDE VETERINARY
Animals picked up by officers will be held for a few days in hopes the owner can be found and then transferred to Eastside Veterinary Associates (EVA). Every animal taken to the facility will be given an exam, vaccines and if necessary, flea treatment. Spay/neuter, micro-chipping and dental services will also be available.
The facility offers separate wings for dogs and cats, with individual climate control and dedicated heating and air conditioning.
Be sure to keep an eye out at Animal Control’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/RentonAnimalControl/) to see information regarding lost pets .
MIRCROCHIPPING
RPD is encouraging pet owners to microchip their pets. The chip — which is about the size of a grain — will be inserted between the shoulder blades of the pet. If the pet is lost, a city animal control officer or a veterinarian will scan the chip to retrieve owner information.
Renton residents can microchip their pets for free at EVA.
The services are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while funds last. Check-in is 11:30 a.m. Mondays to Fridays. Proof of Renton residency will be required for this service.
EVA is located 1700 NE 44th St. The free service is made possible by the partnership with EVA and Renton Community Foundation.
