Kirkland has waived pet-licensing late fees and some other elements of the license application process in light of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) emergency proclamation.

Kirkland law requires that pets — specifically cats and dogs — be licensed if they are older than three months. The law also requires that a license is renewed before its expiration date. When licensing their pet, owners are normally mandated to include proof that their pet has been vaccinated for rabies.

Because of COVID-19 concerns, however, pet owners for the time being will no longer need to provide rabies vaccination documentation if they do not have it readily available, and pet owners will not be penalized if they renew a license past the expiration date.

“These temporary changes are to help make it easier for people to license their pets during this challenging time,” the city said in a press release.

Kirkland encourages owners experiencing COVID-19-related financial difficulties to reach out to Animal Control Officer Jennifer Matison at 425-587-3414 for assistance if they need to renew their pet license.

“The Kirkland Police Department will work with you to get your pet license,” the city reported.

Fees accrued from pet-license payments go to Kirkland’s Animal Services Program. According to a press release, these fees help provide “service, education and enforcement.”

For more information about pet licensing in Kirkland, go to the Kirkland Animal Services webpage or the PetData webpage.