Vancouver, WA – Clark County pet owners now can more conveniently license dogs and cats using a new feature on the Animal Protection and Control website at www.clark.wa.gov/pets. Pet owners can apply for a new license or renew an existing license after clicking on the green “Pet licenses and renewals” button and setting up a personal account. License fees then can be paid online. Dogs and cats older than eight weeks must be licensed in unincorporated Clark County, the city of Vancouver and the town of Yacolt. Licenses are free until the pet is six months old. After that, owners are subject to a fine of $100 per pet for an unlicensed dog or cat. “Online licensing is a simple way to give a cat or dog an extra measure of protection and the owner peace of mind,” said Paul Scarpelli, Animal Protection and Control manager. “What’s more, it’s the law.” If lost, pets wearing a license are more likely to be quickly reunited with their owners. They receive longer care periods at shelters and are transferred to an emergency medical care facility if they are injured when found. Licensing fees support spay and neuter programs and officer response to neighborhood complaints and problems with wildlife and livestock. Pet licensing information and mail-in applications for dogs and cats remain available at www.clark.wa.gov/development/animals/licenses.html. For more information about Animal Protection and Control, spaying or neutering, leash and scoop laws, dog bite prevention and reporting animal cruelty, go to www.clark.wa.gov/pets.