Summary

“Our furry friends are as much a part of our families as we are”

Story

In honor of the holiday season – when many families will add an adorable animal family member – Metropolitan King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn and Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) have released their annual list of the top names for dogs and cats in Black Diamond, Covington, and Maple Valley for 2018.

“Our furry friends are as much a part of our families as we are,” said Dunn. “This year I encourage everyone with a pet to make sure you license them – it protects them and helps keep our animal shelters running.”

“Pet licensing helps return lost pets to owners more quickly, and just as importantly, it provides shelter pets with the resources needed to give them a deserving second chance,” said Tim Anderson, RASKC Acting Manager. “Last year we celebrated a remarkable pet-save rate of 92 percent and had a banner year for pet adoptions! When pets are registered, it’s easier to protect them.”

This year, Black Diamond residents have registered 374 dogs and 112 cats, Covington residents have registered 1,941 dogs and 763 cats, and Maple Valley residents have registered 2,647 dogs and 876 cats! Here are the names that clawed their way to the top.

“Pet licensing is an incredibly important part of keeping our cats and dogs safe,” said Black Diamond Mayor Carol Benson. “Let’s work together to keep our animal family members protected, and make sure they get brought home safely when they get lost. Thank you to King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn and the Regional Animal Services of King County for their work each year to raise awareness of cat and dog licensing and the benefits it gives us and our pets.”

“I encourage everyone reading this to license their pet, and tell their friends about its benefits,” said Covington Mayor Jeff Wagner. “Pet licensing through King County could save your pet and ensure that they are returned home swiftly if they get lost. Thank you to Councilmember Dunn and the Regional Animal Services of King County for their efforts to inform the public about this need to help protect our pets.”

“Getting your pet licensed is an easy, painless task that will provide your family with great peace of mind and your pet with an extra layer of security,” said Maple Valley Mayor Sean Kelly. “Thank you to King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn for encouraging us to take advantage of this important service, and to the Regional Animal Services of King County for their tireless work in making sure that pets all across the county receive the love, attention, and medical care that they need.”

This list comes from pet license applications submitted to RASKC, which serves nearly one million residents living in 24 cities and unincorporated communities throughout King County.

“Licensing your pet is good for them and your family, but it’s about more than that,” said Dunn. “You’re also doing your part so Regional Animal Services of King County can help thousands of other animals get well and find new homes. It’s important, humane work.”

If a licensed pet is lost, the finder can call the phone number on the pet’s tag – a service that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – to quickly reunite them with their owner. Pets receive a free ride home the first time they’re found, allowing owners to skip a trip to the shelter. Pet licenses also help fund RASKC and the important work it does.

In addition to handling lost pets and injured animals, pet license fees contribute to RASKC’s other vital duties, including animal neglect and cruelty investigations, spay/neuter programs, pet adoption services, and other work to humanely and compassionately assist local animals.

You can purchase pet licenses online, or at more than 70 convenient locations around the county, including many city halls and QFC stores. Learn more at Regional Animal Service of King County’s website, kingcounty.gov/pets.

For more information, please contact LLuvia Ellison-Morales with Regional Animal Services of King County at LLuvia.Ellison-Morales@kingcounty.gov.