​License Your Pet
The Auditor’s Office can only issue licenses to dogs and cats in unincorporated Thurston County. We also license hobby and commercial kennels.
 
Unincorporated Thurston County requires a license for all dogs and encourages voluntary licenses for cats. City laws require owners to license all dogs and cats. Pet owners living within city limits should contact Animal Services to find out where and how to get the proper license.
 

If you live in unincorporated Thurston County, you have two options for licensing your pet:

  1. Visit the Thurston County Auditor's Office
  2. Call, visit or mail a Pet License Application to Animal Services
 
Pet License Fees

Fees for pet licenses depend on the age of the pet and whether they have been spayed or neutered.

​Dogs

Dogs (not spayed or neutered): $24.00
Dogs (spayed, neutered or under 6 months): $12.00
Reduced fee (see below): $6.00

Cats

Cats (not spayed or neutered): $16.00
Cats (spayed, neutered or under 6 months): $8.00
Reduced fee (see below): $4.00

Other

Fee for replacement license tag for cat or dog: $3.00

Reduced Fee

You qualify for a reduced fee pet license if:

  • You are over 61 years of age and have a low income; or
  • You have a disability, no longer have employment because of the disability and have a low income.

"Low income" residents must meet one or more of the following:

  • Qualify for reduction of your property tax through the Thurston County Assessor's Office;
  • Quality for utility bill reduction through a city;
  • Make less than $18,000 after taxes; or
  • Your sole source of income is Social Security, SSDI or other medical disability

And, you must:

  • Show documentation proving you meet the above criteria.
Hobby Kennel License

​Learn about hobby kennel licensing.

A "Hobby Kennel" is a non-commercial kennel at or adjoining a private residence where the owner keeps four or more adult dogs for breeding; hunting; training or exhibiting at organized shows; field working or obedience trials; or enjoyment of the species.

Contact the Thurston County Permit Assistance Center at 360.786.5490 to get the correct permits before contacting the Auditor's Office to get a license.

Hobby Kennel Licenses cost $25.00 per year plus $1.00 per dog. Please contact our Licensing team for the proper forms and rules for the license.

Commercial Kennel License

​Learn about commercial kennel licensing.

A "Commercial Kennel" is a place where a person provides facilities for breeding adult dogs and selling their offspring. The dogs receive care, training and boarding for compensation, not including a small animal hospital, clinic or pet shop. An adult dog is one that has reached the age of six months.

Contact the Thurston County Permit Assistance Center at 360.786.5490 to get the correct permits before contacting the Auditor's Office to get a license.

Commercial Kennel Licenses cost $25.00 per year and run from January 1 to December 31 each year. Please contact our Licensing team for the proper forms and rules for the license.