I don't think the city of Seattle WANTS me to license my dog

[LisaM]

I just got a new dog and I want to get her licensed and microchipped.

I called the humane society (where we got our other dog licensed and microchipped.) They no longer microchip and they say the vet can't issue a license - so I either have to mail in the application for a license or go two separate places. I don't mind mailing in the application, but it does not appear to have a provision for the 2-year license. I also need to provide proof the dog is spayed (not a problem.)

I called PetSmart and they can't microchip either (maybe I should bring the dog in from Canada and they can give it an RFID tourist tag.) I also made an appointment to have my other dog groomed and they said I have to bring in proof of a rabies shot and that the rabies tag itself won't do (this is not a super problem, but now I have to make copies of EVERYTHING.)

There are neighborhood centers in Seattle to provide some city services. I called the downtown one to see if they do dog licenses (so I could do it on my lunch hour) and they don't do any fee-based service!

Are they trying to make it as difficult as possible to do all this stuff? I'm just trying to follow the law and to keep my dogs safe and groomed.

[Zomby Woof]

1. And yet another reminder

Of why I don't miss dreary Seattle. Their red tape machine is starved for revenue in the worst way, isn't it? :hi:

Guess I was too loud for the place. ;-)

[LisaM]

3. Yeah, well!

:hi:

They also seem determined to make sure that I need to drive all over the place on Saturday, which would be easier to do if they ever fixed a pothole!

[China_cat]

2. A lot of cities are now

trying to make dog ownership as difficult as possible, hoping that you'll change your mind.

For the chip, check and see if there are any breeders (of any breed) in your area. The good ones are chipping their stock and puppies, get the chips at cost and know how to apply them. (I'd tell you to contact AVID yourself but you have to buy 25) Can't help you with the license at all.

Grooming? Unless you're showing, keep your dog in a utility cut and it's not hard to do yourself.

[LisaM]

4. You haven't seen this dog

He really needs a professional cut. Part of it's the weather - it keeps getting warm, so he keeps trying to shed and grow his coat - but he is the shaggiest thing you ever saw. I might be able to keep up if he's groomed once, but he needs to lose at least half his hair. I comb him every single day, to absolutely no effect. I think he'll feel better after a professional job, too. Otherwise, I take your point.

[China_cat]

5. I have Bouviers.

Their usual look is that of an unmade bed. Double coated and prone to mats. What breed is yours? (Average grooming just for a utility cut for a Bouv is $125)

http://www.groomersmall.com/coat_kings.htm THE absolute best tool. I don't know how I ever managed without it.

[LisaM]

6. He's a mutt

He is part cocker and part Golden, with a third thing thrown in that is most likely Sheltie or collie. He is absolutely adorable, but his hair just grows and grows and is now almost to the ground (he's short - barely taller than a cocker.) It backs off a little in summer, but that's months away and we've been in the 50s.

He doesn't have a huge propensity for mats. It's the backcombing, and probably a clip, that he needs. He's got a few mats that I cut off, but nothing like my other dogs have had. Plus he's got one of those curly tails and he doesn't like me to comb it.

There is a better groomer near Greenlake, but their hours are sort of limited and I just decided to do it this week. Once he's had this, if he needs it again, I'll take him to the better place.

[China_cat]

8. sounds like my younger Bouv

We sometimes joke that we should have named her Burlington because she's a coat factory.

[LisaM]

12. Yes, his hair practically grows while you look at it

But he's cute!!!

[China_cat]

13. Here's my 3

[candy]

7. I'm very surprised at the groomer's request---I've never needed

proof of rabies shots for grooming.

I stopped licensing my dog about 4 years ago------more damned bureaucracy as far as I'm concerned.

She does have an updated rabies tag on her collar with the vet's name and TN.

[China_cat]

9. We're a rabies epidemic state

we have to show proof of vaccination at groomers, boarding kennels, obedience classes, any place where other animals will be present and other people will likely be working with them.

[candy]

14. We have rabies here in Mass. too but hardly an epidemic.

Hope you enjoy your new dog.

Woof!!!!(from my little Heidi).

[SOteric]

10. It's Metro King County that licenses pets.

http://www.metrokc.gov/lars/animal/

You can download and fill out the form online and there's a downtown branch of the licensing department just north of Pioneer Square by the King County Courthouse.

:hi:

[LisaM]

11. I just downloaded the form and it says City of Seattle

which I think I am required to use since I am in the city.

I know that some of the licesning fees go to the offleash area, which I support, and the Seattle animal shelter has gone no-kill, which I also support, so I don't mind getting the license - just don't understand the need for all the red tape.

I have proof of rabies - we're going to go to Canada later this year for a vacation, so hey, if that's their requirement, no big deal.