Regional Animal Services
Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) provides animal care, licensing, adoption, and animal control services for residents throughout its service area. This article explains how RASKC helps pet owners and the community, including pet licensing, lost and found pets, adoption services, animal control response, owner assistance programs, and the main office information readers need when contacting or visiting the agency.
About Regional Animal Services
Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) provides sustainable, cost-effective services designed to protect people and animals while providing humane animal care. The organization focuses on compassion, public service, animal welfare, and community partnerships.
RASKC was formed in 2010 through a partnership between King County and more than two dozen cities. Today, the agency provides animal services for unincorporated King County and 24 contracting cities. These services include animal licensing, shelter care, adoption programs, animal control response, and public education.
RASKC operates the Regional Animal Services of King County program and works with residents, city partners, volunteers, and community organizations to provide care for animals throughout the region.
Service Area Cities
RASKC provides services within unincorporated King County and the following contracting cities:
Beaux Arts
Bellevue
Black Diamond
Carnation
Clyde Hill
Covington
Duvall
Enumclaw
Issaquah
Kenmore
Kent
Lake Forest Park
Maple Valley
Mercer Island
Newcastle
North Bend
Redmond
Sammamish
SeaTac
Shoreline
Snoqualmie
Tukwila
Woodinville
Yarrow Point
Residents should confirm that RASKC serves their address before using certain services, especially pet licensing services.
Pet Licensing Services
Pet licensing helps identify and protect dogs and cats if they become lost. Residents in the RASKC service area can purchase a new license, renew an existing license, update pet information, or request a replacement tag through the official pet licensing system.
RASKC serves only its covered cities and unincorporated King County areas. Residents can use the licensing system to confirm whether RASKC is their pet license provider before completing a purchase or renewal.
License Requirements
King County pet licenses are required for dogs and cats eight weeks of age or older living in the Regional Animal Services coverage area. A license provides identification that can help reunite pets with their owners if they become separated.
Available license types include:
Juvenile pet license for an unaltered pet under six months old.
Altered pet license for a spayed or neutered pet.
Unaltered pet license for pets that are not spayed or neutered.
Senior discount license for altered pets when the owner is 65 or older.
Disabled person license for altered pets when the owner has a disability.
Service animal license.
Replacement tags.
Online License Fees
Online card and digital wallet transactions include a service fee of 2.35 percent with a $2 minimum. E-check transactions include a $0.95 service fee. These fees are charged by the payment processor and are not received by King County.
Annual license fees include:
Juvenile pet: $15
Altered pet: $30
Unaltered pet: $60
Senior discount: $15
Disabled person pet: $15
Service animal: No fee
Replacement tag: $5
Late fees may apply when licenses are renewed after expiration. Residents should review their renewal information and complete updates through the official licensing system.
Pet Adoption Services
RASKC helps place healthy and treatable adoptable animals into permanent homes through its adoption program. The agency provides information about available animals and allows adopters to make decisions based on what works best for their household.
The pet adoption program includes shelter adoption paths, foster-based adoption opportunities, and other placement options. Available animals may include dogs, cats, rabbits, and other pets.
Adoption Visits
Residents interested in meeting adoptable animals can visit the Pet Adoption Center in Kent during walk-in hours. Adoption hours are separate from general facility hours, and adoptions end one hour before closing.
RASKC provides information about each animal to help adopters make informed choices. Available pets change frequently, so residents should review current adoption listings before visiting.
Lost and Found Pets
RASKC assists with lost and found pets throughout its service area. When a pet goes missing, owners should report the loss and continue checking for their animal at the Pet Adoption Center in Kent.
The lost pet service allows owners to add information about missing pets to the 24PetConnect database and review found pet listings.
Steps for Missing Pets
Add the pet’s information to the lost pet database.
Search found pet records for possible matches.
Visit the Pet Adoption Center during normal business hours to look for the missing animal.
Check other local shelters because stray pets may travel outside their original area.
Pet licenses can make reunification easier. When RASKC receives a licensed pet, staff can use identification information to help contact the owner.
Found Stray Animals
People who find stray pets should check for identification tags when it is safe to do so. If the animal has a RASKC license tag, the license number can help connect the finder with the owner.
The found pet service provides steps for reporting found animals, checking databases, and bringing animals to the Pet Adoption Center when necessary.
Residents should not approach aggressive or frightened animals. If an animal cannot be safely handled, RASKC recommends contacting animal control for assistance.
Animal Control Response
RASKC animal control officers protect public safety and animal welfare by responding to animal-related concerns. The agency responds to dangerous animals, loose livestock on public roads, animal injuries, abuse concerns, and other animal complaints.
The animal control response service provides 24-hour public safety response for dangerous situations. Non-emergency calls are handled seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Animal Complaints
Residents submitting an animal complaint should verify that RASKC serves their area and complete the required Animal Complaint Form. Completed forms may be sent by email or mail to RASKC.
For animal complaints involving noise problems, residents should document the issue, including dates, times, communications with the pet owner, and other relevant information. Complaint petitions require specific information, including the address of the animal and signatures from multiple complainants.
Pet Owner Assistance
RASKC provides resources for pet owners facing challenges with keeping and caring for their animals. The agency offers community support programs and information to help residents explore options before surrendering a pet.
The pet owner assistance program includes information about pet food support, rehoming options, and surrender procedures.
Pet Food Support
RASKC operates a Community Pet Food Bank at the Pet Adoption Center in Kent. The program provides pet food supplies for owners experiencing economic hardship.
Available supplies may include dog and cat kibble, cat litter, canned pet food, and pet toys or supplies depending on donations.
Pet Surrender Appointments
RASKC accepts dog and cat surrenders by appointment for owners living in the agency’s service area. Owners should contact RASKC before bringing a pet to the shelter.
A representative gathers information about the owner and pet before scheduling an appointment. Owners should bring a valid photo ID and any veterinary records available for the animal.
Pet Care Resources
RASKC provides information to help residents maintain pet health, safety, and preparedness. Resources include information about disaster planning, pet care, licensing, and other owner responsibilities.
Emergency Pet Planning
Pet owners should include animals in household emergency plans. Preparing identification, supplies, transportation options, and medical information can help protect pets during emergencies.
Recommended emergency supplies may include:
Leashes, harnesses, and carriers.
Food, water, bowls, and pet supplies.
Medications and medical records.
Current pet photos.
Information about feeding schedules and medical needs.
RASKC Office Information
The Regional Animal Services of King County Pet Adoption Center is the primary public facility for adoption services, lost and found pets, and animal care services. Residents should check service details before visiting because different programs may have separate procedures.
Department List
Regional Animal Services of King County Pet Adoption Center — 21615 64th Ave. S. Kent, WA 98032 — 206-296-7387 (PETS)
Regional Animal Services FAQs
How can I license my dog or cat with Regional Animal Services?
Residents in the RASKC coverage area can purchase a first-time pet license, renew an existing license, update pet information, or request a replacement tag through the official pet licensing system. Before applying, confirm that your address is served by Regional Animal Services because licensing coverage applies only to unincorporated King County and 24 contracted cities. Dogs and cats eight weeks or older living in the coverage area are required to have a license.
What should I do if my pet goes missing?
If your pet is lost, report the missing animal and add your pet’s information to the lost pet database. You should also search found pet listings and visit the Pet Adoption Center in Kent during business hours to look for your animal. A current license can help with reunification because licensed pets may be identified and returned more quickly. Learn more through the official lost pet information page.
What steps should I take after finding a stray pet?
When you find a stray animal, check for identification tags if it is safe to do so. If the pet has a Regional Animal Services license tag, the license information may help connect the animal with its owner. You can also submit a found pet report, check lost pet records, or bring the animal to the Pet Adoption Center if you cannot safely keep it.
How can I adopt a pet from Regional Animal Services?
Residents interested in adoption can review available animals and learn about adoption options through the official pet adoption program. Adoption information includes available pets, adoption paths, and details to help families choose an animal that fits their household.
When should I request animal control assistance?
Regional Animal Services responds to animal-related safety concerns, including dangerous animals, loose livestock on public roadways, animal injuries, and abuse concerns. Residents can also report animal complaints after confirming that their location is within the service area. For urgent situations involving immediate danger to people or animals, emergency services should be contacted.