County employees to canvass Kirkland for unlicensed pets starting Sept. 7

Working in collaboration with the city of Kirkland, Regional Animal Services of King County will deploy two hired and trained canvassers into Kirkland in an effort to ensure that pets within Kirkland city limits are properly licensed.

August 27, 2013 2:37 pm
King County employees will canvass some Kirkland neighborhoods for unlicensed pets starting Sept. 7.
King County employees will canvass some Kirkland neighborhoods for unlicensed pets starting Sept. 7.

Working in collaboration with the city of Kirkland, Regional Animal Services of King County will deploy two hired and trained canvassers into Kirkland in an effort to ensure that pets within Kirkland city limits are properly licensed. The canvassing effort will run on weekends only from Sept. 7 through Oct. 27 in the neighborhoods of North Rose Hill, Central Houghton, Everes and Finn Hill.

“Pet licensing is the law,” said Kirkland Police Chief Eric Olsen. “Kirkland Municipal Code adopts by reference King County Code 11.04.030, requiring that all cats and dogs, eight weeks and older be licensed, whether they are indoor or outdoor pets.”

The Kirkland Police Department administers the contract the city has with the county for licensing, sheltering and control services. The three-year contract expires Dec. 31, 2015.

King County pet license canvassers are easily recognized by county name badges, logo shirts, business cards and pet licensing documents. They are trained and follow strict guidelines regarding professional conduct. For example, canvassers do not peer in windows or over fences looking for pets. They do not engage in lengthy conversation with anyone answering the door who appears to be under 18 years of age. They do not ask to enter inside homes and will generally avoid houses that are clearly posted as “No Trespassing” or “No Soliciting.”

King County has implemented a residential pet license canvassing program throughout the County for the past 20 years. The last time any pet license canvassing was conducted in the City of Kirkland was in 2009.

Benefits of pet licensing include:

• Re-unites owners with lost pets

• Free ride home the first time a licensed pet gets lost

• 24/7 lost pet license identification

• Saves animal’s lives by funding shelter and care

• Funds animal field services and enforcement for responding to reports of strays, nuisance or dangerous animals, and bite investigations

• Funds investigations for animal cruelty or neglect

• Supports Vacation Pet Alert program

Pet licenses are available online at www.kingcounty.gov. Any major concerns or issues should be directed to Sandy Jones, King County pet license canvassing coordinator at (206) 205-6167 or sandy.jones@kingcounty.gov.