New Laws in Effect at Off-Leash Dog Park in Edmonds

Have you seen the three new signs at the off-leash dog park in Edmonds?

Both the City of Edmonds and are trying to get the world out to dog owners about the new dog laws and their enforcement. 

The accompanying picture spells out each of the laws.

The new regulations are the result of work by Edmonds City Councilmember and OLAE co-founder Diane Buckshnis and Debbie Dawson, the City's senior animal control officer.

Dawson discussed the need for specific dog park laws and Buckshnis started the process and crafted laws using examples from other cities.

The following is from the OLAE newsletter:

These laws were codified last month and are now in effect, so look closely at the new laws as Animal Control Officers are visiting the area often.

Currently, warnings are being issued for those dog owners that do not have licenses for their dogs. Even if you do not live in Edmonds, your dog must have a valid license from the city or county where you live. A dog without a license can mean a fine to the owner of $100. Officer Dawson has been visiting the dog park and has found that many park users think that they rabies tags that they get at the veterinarian office are a license. NO!!!

Each city has licensing requirements for pets. So, dog owners should visit their local city's Web site and look for licensing costs. Dog licenses in Edmonds are mandatory. The annual fee is $5 for a neutered male or spayed female and $18 for an unaltered animal.

All adult dog licenses expire on Dec. 31 for that licensing year. A temporary puppy license is required for dogs under 6 months of age. The cost is $5 and the license is valid until the dog is 6 months old.

Senior citizens, age 65 years and older, are allowed to purchase a $3 dog license for neutered/spayed dogs only.

New dog licenses go on sale Nov. 1 for the coming year. The signature of the dog owner on the license application will also require proof of the neutering or spaying.

Animal licenses can be purchased at the Edmonds Police Department during  egular business hours, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. At this time, the City of Edmonds Police Department is not set up to process animal license fees on the Internet with an online payment. If you wish to purchase a license by mail, call the Animal Control voice mail at 425 -771-0205.

For information on pet laws in Edmonds, go to the City of Edmonds' Web site.