Washington County dog owners will start getting their licenses through a new online platform that also includes a round-the-clock lost-pet recovery service.

Washington County Animal Services announced Sept. 10 it has partnered with DocuPet, a pet registration company, to replace the county's old licensing system. Dog owners should expect an email or letter from DocuPet on or around Tuesday, Sept. 15, explaining the switch.

The change won't cost dog owners more. County spokesperson Wendy Gordon told The Oregonian that license fees stay the same and that owners with existing registrations will have their information transferred automatically.

What's different

Each license now comes with a DocuPet tag linked to an online pet profile. If a dog goes missing, whoever finds it can use the tag code to reach DocuPet's dispatch team, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to reconnect pets with their owners. Owners can also personalize their dog's tag, a feature the old system did not offer.

"We'll be able to get lost dogs home faster, dog owners will save money by avoiding impound and boarding fees, and our staff will be able to dedicate more time and resources to other critical animal welfare needs," Animal Services Manager Randy Covey said in the county's announcement.

The county had no up-front costs to adopt DocuPet, Gordon said. The company charges 25 cents per license sold online and earns the rest of its revenue from optional upgrades owners can add at checkout. The old system cost the county about $50,000 a year.

Fees and deadlines

A one-year license for a spayed or neutered dog is $34. Two-year and three-year options run $56 and $78. Owners 65 and older with a spayed or neutered dog pay $24 for one year, $40 for two years or $58 for three years.

All dogs in Washington County must be licensed. Owners without a license face a $160 citation. A current rabies vaccination is required.

Owners whose licenses have lapsed get a break: anyone who renews a previously expired license before the end of October will not be charged a late fee. Covey called it a rare, one-time chance to save money.

Licensing revenue funds county animal services, including investigating neglect and abuse cases, responding to dog bites and picking up stray and injured pets.

Licenses can be purchased or renewed at washingtoncountyor.docupet.com. Washington County Animal Services and the Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter are at 1901 SE 24th Ave. in Hillsboro.