Animal Services
Animal Services works to protect the safety and well-being of both people and animals in our community. Guided by Mount Vernon's municipal code, the Animal Services officer provides education, support, and enforcement related to animal care and control, such as assisting with lost pets, responding to safety concerns, and promoting responsible pet ownership in our community.
Licensing Requirements
While the City of Mount Vernon no longer requires pet licenses, pets are required to be microchipped and be current on Rabies vaccinations.
Lost and Found Pets
We work hard to reunite pets with their family. Pets that are picked up by Animal Services and whose owners cannot be identified may be temporarily impounded and/or taken to the Humane Society of Skagit Valley.
Tip: Report lost or found pets right away by calling Skagit 911 Dispatch's Non-emergency Line. Quick action greatly increases the chance of a safe and speedy reunion!
Report a Lost or Found Pet
- Skagit 911 Dispatch (non-emergency): 360-428-321
- Humane Society of Skagit Valley: 360-757-0445
Impound Fees
If your dog is picked up by Animal Services or a police officer and it does not have identification, it will be impounded and a small fee will be charged before your pet is released to back to you. If the owner cannot be located within a reasonable time, the animal will be transported to the Skagit Valley Humane Society.
Report Animal Problems
(Loose dogs, attacks/bites, lost/found animals, etc.)
Police Reception: 360-336-6271
Skagit 911 Dispatch (non-emergency): 360-428-3211
Animal Ordinances
The City of Mount Vernon has adopted several animal-related laws that protect the health and welfare of residents and animals within Mount Vernon, and that help prevent damage to property and animal cruelty.
Complete regulations can be found in the Mount Vernon Municipal Code: Title 6 Animals. Below is a brief summary of key regulations for pet owners.
Leash Laws
When your pet is off your property, they must be under physical control at all times using a leash or similar control device.
Off-leash is only allowed at the City's Dog Park located at Bakerview Park.
Pet Waste
Pet owners must carry the proper tools to clean up pet waste when away from their property and must promptly remove it.
Pet waste may not be allowed to accumulate on your own property if it causes odor, runoff, or other impacts that affect neighboring properties.
Animal Noise
Frequent, repetitive or continuous howling, barking or other animal noises which disturb the peace and quiet of the surrounding area are not allowed.
Pet Limits Per Household
A household may have:
- Up to three dogs, or
- Up to six cats of licensing age, or
- A combination of cats and dogs not to exceed three dogs and six total animals
Nuisance Behavior
Digging, chewing, car chasing, or other actions that damage or destroy pubic or private property is considered a nuisance and is unlawful.
Animal Bites and Attacks
Any dog, cat or ferret that bites or attacks a person must be reported to Animal Services.
- Animals involved in a bite must be quarantined for 10 days
- The owner is responsible for arranging quarantine with the Animal Services officer
- It is unlawful to remove an animal from the city or refuse to quarantine after a bite
Fines & Penalties
Animal ordinance violations within a 12-month period are subject to the following fines:
- 1st Offense: $103
- 2nd Offense: $205
- 3rd Offense: $308
- 4th Offense: $1,025
Habitual Violators
Owners who receive more than three criminal citations or civil infractions within a 12-month period are considered habitual violators. In these cases, the pet may be abated (removed) from the city.
Other criminal offenses may include, but are not limited to: animal abandonment, failure to quarantine, dangerous and potentially dangerous dog violations, animal fighting, animal cruelty, inhumane trapping, and possession of a prohibited exotic animal.
Obstruction Animal Service Officers
It is unlawful to knowingly hinder, resist, delay, or obstruct an Animal Services Officer or Police Officer while they are performing their duties.
Visit the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife's website for practical tips on living alongside wildlife in our community. You’ll find easy-to-understand guidance on preventing conflicts, staying safe around wild animals, and knowing when wildlife needs help—or should be left alone—so we can all help protect people, animals, and local habitats.