Pet Owners Can Again Buy Licenses At Home

Animal control officers are coming to homes in Spokane County.

County commissioners on Tuesday approved spending $50,000 to reinstate door-to-door sales of pet licenses in unincorporated areas.

After eight years, the county ended neighborhood sales of pet licenses in 1995 after some people complained that the agents were heavy-handed. They earned commissions for the licenses they sold and the fines they collected.

But cutting the program has hurt the county’s animal control efforts, said animal control Director Nancy Sattin.

Sales of licenses dropped by $65,000 in 1996, said Sattin, who estimated that fewer than half the dogs and one-sixth the cats are licensed, as required by law.

Under the new “softened” approach, the county will hire full-time agents, who will earn a salary. Customer service will be stressed, said county Commissioner Kate McCaslin.

“I have, in the past, had my doubts about the program,” McCaslin said.

Cat licenses are $4 if the animal is neutered or spayed; $10 if not. Dog licenses are $8.50 and $20, respectively. , DataTimes