Content current as of 08/20/25
Tacoma License Fees
Annual Pet License Fees for City of Tacoma Residents
Effective September 1, 2025, the ordinance increases animal license fees and introduces new policies to support expanded low-cost spay/neuter services and enhance trap-neuter-return (TNR) efforts for managing community cats. These updates apply only to pet owners who reside within Tacoma city limits. Find more information here.
| Description | Current Fee | New Fee (as of 9/1/2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Unaltered Dog | $65.00 | $175.00 |
| Unaltered Cat | $65.00 | $175.00 |
| Unaltered Dog - Senior (65+), Owner with Disability, or TPU Bill Credit Assistance Program Participant | $35.00 | $100.00 |
| Unaltered Cat - Senior (65+), Owner with Disability, or TPU Bill Credit Assistance Program Participant | $35.00 | $100.00 |
| Altered Dog | $30.00 | $40.00 |
| Altered Cat | $20.00 | $30.00 |
| Altered Pig | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| Altered Dog - Senior (65+), Owner with Disability, or TPU Bill Credit Assistance Program Participant | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Altered Cat - Senior (65+), Owner with Disability, or TPU Bill Credit Assistance Program Participant | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Penalties | varies | varies |
| Potentially Dangerous Dog 1st year - see definition in RCW 16.08.070 | $250.00 | $250.00 |
| Potentially Dangerous Dog Renewal | $50.00 | $100.00 |
| Replacement Tag: Each animal is entitled to one complimentary replacement tag per year. Any additional replacement tags will incur a fee of $10 each. | $5.00 | $10.00 |
Reduced License Fees
- Permanent Disability: Individuals with a permanent disability who reside within the city limits of Tacoma are eligible for a reduced license fee, provided their dogs and cats are not used for commercial purposes. To qualify for this reduced fee, proof of their permanent disability to animal control agents. Acceptable forms of documentation include a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Identification Card, documentation indicating at least 30 percent permanent disability, a Washington Department of Licensing parking placard issued for permanent disability under RCW 46.16.381, or any other proof deemed appropriate by the animal control agency.
- Senior citizens (65 years of age or older)
- Tacoma Public Utility Bill Credit Assistance Program: Enrollment in the program must be current.
Reduced fees for individuals with a permanent disability or participants in the TPU Bill Credit Assistance Program cannot be processed online and must be completed in person or by phone.
Impound Fees
Fees for redeeming impounded animals are set by the Humane Society. For more information, please contact the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County at (253) 383-2733.