Pet owners on Mercer Island and much of King County can take advantage of a one-month “license amnesty period” in April and bring their expired pet licenses up to date or purchase new tags for animals not currently licensed without facing late fees or other penalties.

“A pet license is the best insurance policy you can buy for your pet,” says Dr. Gene Mueller, manager of Kent-based Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC). “For instance, if your pet is wearing its license and it shows up at our Pet Adoption Center, we will notify you that your pet is here. Or if we find your licensed pet in the field, we’ll return it to you instead of taking it to the center. What’s more, an injured animal wearing a license is more likely to receive veterinary care if you’re not around.”

King County pet owners can go to www.kingcounty.gov/pets, then click on “License Your Pet” to renew a pet license online.

Licenses are also sold at the King County Pet Adoption Center, 21615 64th Ave. S. in Kent, at 25 Regional Partner City Halls, many QFC stores, vehicle licensing agencies, or at any of the six King County Community Service Centers (CSCs) located throughout King County. For a full list of pet licensing locations, visit www.kingcounty.gov/pets.

All King County pet licenses, except those for kittens or puppies, expire one year after issuance.

Kitten or puppy (under six months old, license expires six months after issuance): $15

Spayed or neutered dog or cat (over six months old): $30

Unaltered dog or cat (over six months old): $60

Dog or cat license for senior citizen residents: $15

Dog or cat license for disabled residents: $15

License for registered service animals: Free

For more information about pet licensing, call the Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) at 206-296-PETS (7387).