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September 2026

The emails and letters you’ll receive about licensing will now come from DocuPet. Please open anything you receive from them — it’s not spam! 

All license tags now come with DocuPet’s HomeSafe® 24/7 lost pet service. If a pet goes missing, finders can quickly reference a unique code on the tag to connect with DocuPet’s dispatch team, who works around the clock to reunite pets with their families. You decide how much of your contact information you want to share with people who might find your pet.

Why licensing is important

When you purchase a dog license, you are helping fund services for pets and people in Washington County. By doing the responsible thing for your dog, you are also helping our community!

A license will cost less if 1) you buy several years at a time instead of renewing it annually, 2) your dog is spayed or neutered, or 3) if you are at least 65 years old with a spayed or neutered dog. 

We are waiving all late fees for dog licensing through October 31. Maybe you forgot to renew your pup’s license or you didn’t realize your dog needed one. This is a one-time opportunity to save money and get current without paying a late fee. Take advantage of the benefits of having your dog licensed and enrolled in the 24/7 lost pet service without the extra fee!

September is National Preparedness Month

If disaster strikes, Washington County Animal Services is ready to respond. We have a trailer equipped with disaster response supplies, well-trained staff, and an emergency response manual that outlines procedures and resources. Animal Services staff are involved in all stages of disaster response in Washington County.

September is also Animal Pain Awareness Month. Behavior changes, moving less, changes in grooming or eating habits, and making noises or whining are all signs that an animal may be in pain. But sometimes it isn’t obvious. Animals often hide their discomfort. Contact a veterinarian if you think your animal may be uncomfortable or in pain, or if their behavior has changed.


Addressing pain and discomfort in an animal also helps keep people safe. Pets that are in pain or distress are more likely to bite or scratch.

If you think your pet may be in pain, take them to see a veterinarian. Pain impacts an animal’s quality of life and needs to be treated.

Our staff and volunteers connected with over 200 people (and almost as many dogs) at the Canine Community Carnival, which is held annually at Garden Home Recreation Center.

Thank you to Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District for having us at their annual Canine Community Carnival on August 29! Our staff and volunteers answered pet-related questions, offered information about our services, and challenged those who stopped by our booth with Animal Services-themed trivia.



We love meeting people and their pets while they are out having fun. Keep an eye on our social media or future editions of this newsletter for info on where to find us out and about next!

Help pets and people locally

Please consider making a tax-deductible gift to support the work we do for pets and people in Washington County. Donations help us provide individualized veterinary care for animals temporarily staying with us and investigate animal abuse and neglect. Thank you!