By Sharon Salyer
Herald Writer
LAKE STEVENS — Cats have joined dogs in being required to have licenses in Lake Stevens, but owners can get free, lifetime tags for either pet if they act quickly.
The no-fee licenses will be available until March 31. After that, owners must pay $20.
The city wants the licenses, which will help identify stray pets, to offset the $60 fee it pays to transport pets to the animal shelter.
The city spent nearly $800 last year having stray animals found within the city limits taken to the animal shelter, said Norma Scott, city clerk.
With the fees jumping from $30 to $60 this year to take the animals to the shelter, city officials hope that the free license offer will get pets registered.
"By promoting more licensing of pets and returning more pets to their owners, we think we’ll do better financially," Scott said.
The stainless steel tag will be stamped with the words "City of Lake Stevens" and a license number. Information on the owner’s address and phone number will be kept at city hall, she said.
Until now, only dogs had to be registered. All current owners of licensed pets will be notified of the changes and sent out an application, Scott said.
The Progressive Animal Welfare Society told the city that licensing provides the best chance for lost pets to be returned to their owner.
You can call Herald Writer Sharon Salyer at 425-339-3486
or send e-mail to salyer@heraldnet.com.
Both dogs and cats must now be licensed in Lake Stevens. But if owners act before March 31, they can get free, lifetime licenses. Call city hall at 425-334-1012 for information.
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