Whatcom Humane Society pet licensing
Why license?
In accordance with state and local laws, pet licenses are mandatory in the cities that Whatcom Humane Society serves. In fact, licenses are mandatory in nearly every community across North America. Why? Because licenses help keep pets and the communities they live in safe. DocuPet was brought on board to simplify and improve pet licensing to benefit not only pet owners like you, but the entire community. DocuPet makes it easy for the Whatcom Humane Society to deliver a successful pet licensing program with a streamlined software and management solution that makes licensing a breeze for pet owners and administrators alike.
What will you need?
Licensing your pet will require specific information and proof. Having these items at the ready allows for the fastest experience. You have the option to upload a document as a saved or scanned file, or you may take a photo directly from your device on our upload page.
Payment
We securely process payment online and accept all major credit and debit cards as forms of payment.
Documents
Spay/Neuter proof
This document is required to qualify for the discounted rate and is only needed once and will be saved to your pet’s profile upon upload for future renewals. This proof declaring that your pet has been spayed or neutered may be in the form of a statement or receipt from the veterinarian, shelter, or clinic that performed the procedure.
Rabies vaccination proof
This document may be in the form of a Rabies Vaccination Certificate that has been signed by a veterinarian or certified professional. It is the law that pets must be up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations, so new documents will need to be uploaded to your pets profile as they receive their booster shots.
How to license
Online
The fastest and easiest way to license or renew is right here. You'll create a profile for your pet, upload any necessary documents, process your license registration, and receive purchase confirmations via email. Payment can be made using a credit card or Visa/Mastercard debit card. Each year, you just need to log in to your existing account and renew - it's super easy!
License a pet for the first time
I've never licensed a pet with Whatcom Humane Society before.
License nowIn-person
In person licensing is available at the following location(s) however it's important to know you will still receive your tag in the mail:
Don't forget to check hours of operation, appointment policies, and accepted payment methods prior to heading out.
Whatcom Humane Society
2172 Division Street Bellingham WA 98226
If you opt to license via snail mail - keep in mind processing your registration will take a lot longer!
Make sure you complete the below form in full and that it is free of any errors otherwise your registration may not be successfully processed. The fine print is there for a reason so keep an eye out for accepted payment methods, who the check should be made out to, where it should be mailed, and any required supporting documentation.
Pet license form
Phone
If you're unable to complete your pet's license online, you can contact our Customer Care team for assistance. Please note that licenses are primarily designed to be completed online, and phone support is intended for troubleshooting or special circumstances.
We can accept credit cards and Visa/Mastercard debit cards for payment.
DocuPet Customer Care: 1-877-239-6072
Hours of Operation:Monday-Saturday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM PST (excluding holidays)Sunday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM PST
License fees & details
Whatcom Humane Society is contracted to issue licenses in the following communities
City of Blaine Fees & Details
Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in the City of Blaine. Licenses are available for 1 year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.
| Dog Licenses | Fee |
|---|---|
| Unaltered Dog | $41.00 |
| Altered (spayed/neutered) Dog | $11.00 |
- A replacement tag is available for a $2.00 fee.
- A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
- A spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.
- When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time in Blaine City Limits, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
- Failure to license your pet may result in a fine.
- Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.
City of Bellingham Fees & Details
Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in the City of Bellingham. Licenses are available for 1 year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.
| Dog Licenses | Fee |
|---|---|
| Unaltered Dog | $41.00 |
| Altered (spayed/neutered) Dog | $11.00 |
- A replacement tag is available for a $2.00 fee.
- A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
- A spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.
- When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time in Bellingham City Limits, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
- Failure to license your pet may result in a fine.
- Pet owners within Bellingham City Limits must be 62 or older to qualify for the senior citizen rate.
- Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.
City of Ferndale Fees & Details
Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in the City of Ferndale. Licenses are available for 1 year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.
| Dog Licenses | Fee |
|---|---|
| Unaltered Dog | $41.00 |
| Altered (spayed/neutered) Dog | $11.00 |
| Cat Licenses | Fee |
|---|---|
| Unaltered Cat | $41.00 |
| Altered (spayed/neutered) Cat | $11.00 |
- A replacement tag is available for a $2.00 fee.
- A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
- A spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.
- When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time in Ferndale City Limits, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
- Failure to license your pet may result in a fine.
- Licenses are required for all dogs and cats over 4 months of age.
Unincorporated Whatcom County Fees & Details
Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in Unincorporated Whatcom County. Licenses are available for 1 year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.
| Dog Licenses | Fee |
|---|---|
| Unaltered Dog | $41.00 |
| Altered (spayed/neutered) Dog | $11.00 |
- A replacement tag is available for a $2.00 fee.
- A spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.
- When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time in Unincorporated Whatcom County, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
- Failure to license your pet may result in a fine.
- Licenses are required for all dogs over 7 months of age.
Frequently asked questions
HELP DESK
Still have a question that you have not been able to answer?
Visit our Help Desk for more information: https://docupetinc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us
LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS
Where can I license in person?
You may license in person at Whatcom Humane Society located at 2172 Division Street Bellingham WA 98226.
When can I renew my pet's license?
You may renew your pet's license within 60 days of your pet's current license expiration date. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new license will start the day after expiration, not on the date of purchase.
I need a kennel license, what do I do?
Please visit Whatcom Humane Society in person as kennel licensing is not processed through DocuPet. They are located at 2172 Division Street Bellingham WA 98226.
What jurisdictions does Whatcom Humane Society provide licensing services for?
Whatcom Humane Society provides licensing services for the following areas: Unincorportated Whatcom County, City of Blaine, City of Ferndale, City of Bellingham
How can I license my pets?
Please ensure you have all the required documentation in order to licence your pet. If you have all the records you need to proceed you can license your pet online, or in person at Whatcom Humane Society located at 2172 Division Street Bellingham WA 98226.
Can I transfer a license if my pet passes?
License transfers may be granted in certain cases. Please visit Whatcom Humane Society in person to learn more.
When does my pet's license expire?
Licenses in Blaine, Ferndale, and Bellingham expire exactly 365 days from the license start date. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new license will start the day after expiration, not on the date of purchase. Rabies must be valid during the time of renewal.
Licenses in Unincorporated Whatcom County expire exactly 365 days from the license start date. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new license will start the day after expiration, not on the date of purchase.
Do licenses need to be renewed annually?
Licenses are required to be renewed prior to the expiration date each year.
How old does my pet need to be for me to license them?
All dogs over the age of 4 months in the cities and over the age of 7 months in the county are required to be licensed
PROGRAM AND PARTNERSHIP
Why does the system say my address is not valid?
You may have entered your address incorrectly or we may not have your address in the address database for your community. Please double-check all spelling and ensure you are using the abbreviated form for your street type ex. St instead of Street. You may contact Whatcom Humane Society directly if you believe you reside within their jurisdiction but your address is not being accepted by the system.
FEES AND FINES
What is the processing fee?
A processing fee of $2.00 per license product applies to all online orders.
Is there a discount for licensing multiple pets?
No, there is no discount for licensing multiple pets. Each pet will be charged the appropriate licensing fee.
My pet qualifies for the service animal rate. What do I do?
Please visit 2172 Division Street, Bellingham WA 98226 in-person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. Once the team there verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.
Why am I being charged a late fee?
Late fees come into effect if a license is not renewed within 30 days of the original expiration date.
Why am I being charged a late fee?
Late fees come into effect if a license is not renewed within 30 days of the original expiration date.
My pet has been spayed/neutered since I last purchased their pet license. How do I qualify for the discounted rate?
If your community requires proof of spay/neuter for your pet in order to receive a discounted licensing rate, you will need to upload the appropriate documentation stating that your pet has been spayed/neutered to your online account. Once the documentation has been approved by Whatcom Humane Society, you will be eligible to receive the new discounted rate. Otherwise, you can visit Whatcom Humane Society in person at 2172 Division Street Bellingham WA 98226 and show proof of spay/neuter there.
What is the senior citizen age requirement?
Senior citizen ages vary by community. You must be 62 or older to qualify in Bellingham.
ACCOUNT UPDATES
Does my license transfer if I am moving?
If you are moving, please be sure to update your address by logging into your online account and navigating to your Profile Settings page. Even though you are moving, you’ll still be able to keep your pet's tag and access your pet's online account. However, your current license may not be valid in the new community you are moving to. Please get in touch with the pet licensing provider in the new community you are moving to in order to find out more information.
How do I notify DocuPet that my pet has passed away?
We're sorry for your loss. You can update a pet's profile via your online account by editing your pet's profile and selecting 'Remove this Pet'.
My pet is no longer with me, but I’m still receiving renewal reminders?
We’re sorry! Unfortunately, unless you update your account to reflect that a pet is no longer in your care, we have no way of knowing. Have you already told us? You may have a duplicate account. Get in touch with your licensing organization or our DocuPet customer service team to update your record.
TAGS
How do I receive my tag if I don't have a current address?
Please visit in person at Whatcom Humane Society located at 2172 Division Street Bellingham WA 98226 and they will be able to assist you.
CITY INFORMATION AND CITY ORDINANCES
Where can I find information about the pet licensing ordinance/bylaw?
Visit this page for information on licensing ordinances/bylaws: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=16.10
What species are required to be licensed?
The following species are required to be licensed in Unincorportated Whatcom County, Blaine and Bellingham: Dogs
The following species are required to be licensed in Ferndale: Dogs and Cats
DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
Why won't the system allow me to license without a new rabies document?
To license your pet in Blaine, Ferndale and Bellingham, you will be required to show proof that the pet's rabies vaccination is current. Documentation is also required to verify that a pet has been spayed or neutered and must be provided in order to receive the discounted rate. Requiring documentation ensures that provided pet information is accurate, which is critical for identification and safety reasons.
Where can I obtain a copy of my pet’s rabies or spay/neuter document?
If you can’t locate the document you received after the procedure was done, you will need to contact your vet to obtain your pet's records. Be sure to specify any and all pets you require documentation for.
Once you’ve got the paperwork in your hands, take a look to ensure:
- The document provided is the right type of proof required.
- Pet and pet owner account data matches your own.
- The document is clear and legible.
Why do I have to upload a rabies and spay/neuter document for my pet?
To license your pet in Blaine, Ferndale, and Bellingham, you will be required to show proof that the pet's rabies vaccination is current. Documentation is also required to verify that a pet has been spayed or neutered and must be provided in order to receive the discounted rate. Requiring documentation ensures that provided pet information is accurate, which is critical for identification and safety reasons.
My pet is spay/neuter exempt, what do I do?
You will need to complete the required paperwork and visit Whatcom Humane Society in person to qualify for the spay/neuter exemption.
What are acceptable documentation types?
A rabies proof is required in Blaine, Ferndale, and Bellingham to prove that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies. A rabies proof identifying your pet as spayed/neutered or a spay/neuter proof may be accepted as documentation of sterilization.
My pet is rabies exempt, what do I do?
You will need to complete the required paperwork and visit Whatcom Humane Society in person to qualify for rabies exemption.