Animal Resources

Residents of Tacoma and Fircrest are required to license all dogs and cats over eight weeks of age. New residents must obtain a pet license within 30 days of moving to the city. This helps our Animal Care and Control Officers  return the pet directly to its home or promptly notify the owners that their pet is safe at the shelter.

The City of Tacoma Animal Control and Compliance Officers enforce ordinances in the cities of Tacoma, Fircrest, and Ruston. We do not handle wild animals, but we do provide information and resources on our Animal Control page to help you get the help you need. For emergencies, stray animals or humans that are in imminent danger, call 911.

Animals impounded are taken to the Humane Society of Tacoma & Pierce County. If you lost an animal and it is in the custody of the animal shelter or animal control officers, they will be held for 48 hours following actual notice to the owner. If the owner of an impounded animal is unknown, then the animal control agency shall make a reasonable effort to locate and notify the owner. Animals not picked up by the owners within 48 hours will be placed up for adoption by the Humane Society of Tacoma & Pierce County.

Animal Control and Animal Licensing
Phone: (253) 627-PETS (7387)
Email: petinfo@tacoma.gov 

City of Tacoma Animal Control
Phone: (253) 627-7387, select option 2
Report online with Tacoma FIRST 311

Tacoma and Pierce County Humane Society
Phone: (253) 383-2733