Licensing your dog or cat in Marysville

Dogs and cats provide enjoyment, comfort and companionship to so many people. By following a few simple rules and tips, you can enjoy your pet without infringing on other people’s rights. Marysville’s animal control policies provide a means of licensing dogs and cats, impounding animals and controlling animal behavior so that they do not pose a nuisance for you or your family.

In an effort to save on rising shelter costs for housing impounded animals, the City of Marysville offers FREE lifetime pet licenses for all spayed and neutered dogs or cats.

The City wants to obtain voluntary compliance from citizens, but if that is not possible, law enforcement's approach will be to issue a citation. The Everett Animal Shelter is increasing its fees for taking in animals from $60 to $80 in 2006, and police were estimating the cost to the city would approach $50,000 by the end of the year, and $57,000 in 2006.

The new law includes the following:
* Free pet licenses for residents whose cats and dogs are spayed or neutered, replacing the previous general fee of $30 (must provide proof of spay or neuter)
* Pet licenses for $10 whose animals are implanted with a microchip that can help identify the pet.
* $25 annual license fees for animals that are not fixed or implanted with a microchip ($15 for residents 60 and older). * The $5 metal tag replacement fee will remain the same.
* The City will charge owners an $80 impound recovery fee if the owner has not already paid the shelter upon recovering the animal.
* The fine for violating the pet licensing law is $250, per offense.

Marysville pet license fees for dogs and cats helps cover the costs for animal control enforcement. The fees also generate funds to help the City contend with skyrocketing costs of emergency care and veterinary services for injured stray animals, as well as licensed and unlicensed pets. The expense of emergency care for animals in recent years has far surpassed the revenues in the Animal Control budget generated by dog license fees. In order to help senior citizens, many of whom are on fixed incomes, the City of Marysville has established new special rates that are greatly reduced. And, as has long been the practice of the City, the blind, physically disabled or hearing impaired citizens can request to the City that no fee be charged to license their guide dog or service dog. Please call (360) 363-8202 for more details.

Marysville Municipal Code Section 10.04.100 - 10.04.140 states that a resident who lives within the city limits of Marysville who owns, possesses, harbors or otherwise has custody of a dog or cat that is over three months must have it licensed.

How to Apply

To apply for a license you must know your dog or cat’s name, color, breed and whether your pet has been neutered or spayed. If you would like to purchase a lifetime license you must provide a veterinarian’s statement or other written proof showing that your pet has been neutered or spayed by the time you apply for the license.

A form must be completed by the dog or cat's owner. You can download it by clicking on one of the animal license application links below, request to have one mailed to you, or you may pick one up at City Hall, 1049 State Ave., Marysville WA. 98270. Completed forms should be returned or mailed to City Hall, 1049 State Ave., Marysville WA 98270.

You must license your dog or cat within 30 days after you take ownership. Annual licenses expire on Dec. 31 of each year and must be renewed by Feb. 14. If your pet’s license is not renewed by Feb. 14, you will be charged an additional $5.

When you license your pet you will receive a metal tag with the pet’s license number inscribed on it. Be sure you attach the tag to your pet’s collar.


   Animal License Application
   Animal License Application   

If you have questions about licensing your pet, please call (360) 363-8202 or e-mail our business and animal licensing program specialist