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Animal Services FAQ

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1. What type of animal complaints does Snohomish County Animal Services respond to?

Snohomish County Animal Control Officers respond to the following complaints associated with dogs, cats and livestock. 

• Dangerous dogs
• Animal welfare or cruelty
• Dog bites or attacks
• Stray and abandoned animals
• Sick or injured animals
• Livestock at large
• Leash law violations

If you reside in unincorporated Snohomish County, you may file a complaint regarding the following issues here. For complaints regarding barking dogs, please click here.

2. When should I call 911 with an animal complaint?

Call 911 anytime there is a life-threatening emergency in progress (i.e. livestock in the roadway, injured animal, dog attack in progress, animal left in hot vehicle). If the complaint is not in progress or life threatening, please complete the online animal complaint form or you may call Snohomish County Animal Services at 425-388-3440 Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Calls received after business hours, on weekends or holidays will be returned on the next business day. 

3. How do I file an animal complaint?

For barking dog or other animal noise complaints click here. For all other complaints you may file an on-line complaint or call Snohomish County Animal Services at 425-388-3440 Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Calls received after business hours, on weekends or holidays will be returned the next business day. 

4. Can I file an animal complaint anonymously?

No. Your name and contact information are needed to complete a thorough investigation into the complaint. Under the Public Records Act chapter 42.56 RCW, the information provided on a complaint investigation request form is subject to public disclosure.  However, information revealing the identity of persons who are witnesses to crimes or who file complaints with investigative agencies may be withheld from disclosure if you as complainant indicate a preference not to reveal your identifying information. The preference you indicate on the complaint form shall govern whether such identifying information will be disclosed or withheld in response to requests for public records. 

Please note, if your case is filed in court you name must be disclosed if you are a witness in the case. 

5. Why do you need my name and contact information to file a complaint?

Animal Services may need to contact you regarding your complaint. 

6. How do I get a copy of an animal-related complaint made against me?

Public record requests may be made here. 

7. Is there a leash law in unincorporated Snohomish County?

Yes. The leash law (SCC 9.14.030) requires any dog off the property of its owner be under the control of a responsible individual. 

8. Is there a scoop law in unincorporated Snohomish County?

No. However, parks, recreational areas and dog leash parks may have their own scoop requirements and we encourage you to be a responsible pet owner by picking up after your pets. 

9. Who do I contact regarding an injured animal?

Please call 911. 

10. How do I know if my pet needs a license?

All dogs and cats, including indoor only and pets confined to fenced yards, that are six months of age or older residing in unincorporated Snohomish County must be licensed. You can license you pet here. If you live within city or town limits, please contact your city hall or town hall for pet licensing requirements.

11. How much does a pet license cost?

Pet license fees can be found here.  

12. What are the benefits of a Snohomish County pet license?

1. A pet license lets Animal Services know your pet has an owner. Animal Services staff will attempt to deliver your pet home to you immediately, skipping a trip to the animal shelter.
2. Found pets can be quickly reunited with their owner because any finder can look up the tag number to locate the owner's contact information, 24/7.
3. Pet license fees help pay for investigations for animal cruelty, neglect and abandoned animals. 
4. A pet license is inexpensive and you will avoid a costly fine. The fee for a first time offense for failure to license a pet is $100.
5. Licensing your pet is quick, easy and shows you are a responsible pet owner. 

13. How do I know if I reside in unincorporated Snohomish County?

Use our map tool here.

14. Do I need a license for my pet-related business?

Please visit our kennel and animal businesses page for details on what licenses are required. 

15. What do I do if my pet is licensed in Snohomish County and I move?

Please call 425-388-3440 or email animalservices@snoco.org and we will update your records for you. 

16. Where does Snohomish County Animal Services take loose or stray dogs and cats?

Animals are taken to the Everett Animal Shelter.

17. What should I do if I have found or lost livestock?

If you have lost or found livestock (horses, cattle, sheep, goats, or pigs) in unincorporated Snohomish County, contact Animal Services at 425-388-3440, Option 9 or email animalservices@snoco.org. 

18. What should I do if I see an animal left in a hot vehicle?

Please call 911. 

19. Who do I contact to report a dead animal on the road?

If the animal is on a road in unincorporated Snohomish County, please call Snohomish County Public Works Road Maintenance at 425-388-7500. 

20. Who do I contact regarding wildlife issues?

Please contact the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife at 425-775-1311 for wildlife related issues or questions.