What Are the Registering Guidelines for Dogs in Longview, Washington?

As in any part of the country, dog licenses are required by law in Longview, Washington. Licensing your dog may seem like a hassle, but it is necessary and benefits the community. For example, licensed dogs, should they become lost, are easily returned to their owners. Dog licensing fees also help support the local Humane Society.

  1. Who Needs a License

    • Any dog living in Longview for at least 14 days must be registered with animal control. If you do not license your dog, you will have committed a Class II civil infraction. As stated in the Longview Municipal Code (LMC), once notified of your infraction, you will have two business days to comply with licensing requirements. If you still fail to license your dog, you may receive a maximum fine of $125. You may apply for a license at:

      Humane Society of Cowlitz County
      909 Columbia Blvd.
      Longview, WA 98632
      360-577-0151
      cowlitzhumane.com

    Requirements

    • The LMC states that dog registration applicants must provide their name, street address, telephone number, mailing address; the age, breed, color and markings, and name of the dog; identification tag information and/or registration number (if renewing); a certificate and date of rabies immunization; and the date of registration.

      As of January 2010, dog registration fees in Longview are $10 for spayed or neutered animals and $30 for unfixed animals. Licenses expire on December 31st every year.

    Exceptions

    • If paying for a dog license is a financial hardship for you (for example, if you are on a limited or fixed income), you may apply with the Longview city manager for a 50 percent reduction in the registration fee.

      Service dogs must be licensed; however, there is no fee for their registration.

      Also, according to the LMC, dog licenses are not required if the dog is less than six months old (which the owner must provide proof of) or is part of a pet shop inventory. Also, veterinary hospitals are not required to license dogs being treated or boarded at their establishments. Owners also do not need to register their dog if the dog is already licensed in another jurisdiction or if the dog is owned by a government agency and is used in connection with law enforcement.