Dog owners in Bethany, Cedar Mill and across Washington County have until Oct. 31 to renew an expired dog license without paying a late fee.

The county is waiving all late fees as a one-time offer tied to a new partnership between Washington County Animal Services and DocuPet, a pet registration and lost pet recovery platform, according to the county's official licensing page. After the deadline, owners of unlicensed dogs face a $160 citation.

All county dogs must be licensed.

Animal Services Manager Randy Covey told KATU on Sept. 15 that the new system would help the county reunite lost dogs with their families faster and free up staff for other animal welfare work.

"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," Covey said in the Sept. 15 interview.

Under the new system, every license comes with a unique DocuPet tag linked to a secure online pet profile. If a dog goes missing, anyone who finds it can use the tag's code to reach DocuPet's 24/7 dispatch team. Owners can also personalize their dog's tag, a feature not available under the old system.

A current rabies vaccination is required for the license to be valid.

License fees depend on the dog's spay or neuter status and the license term. A one-year license for a spayed or neutered dog costs $34. An intact dog costs $56 for one year. Owners 65 and older with a spayed or neutered dog pay $24 for one year. A two-year license for a spayed or neutered dog runs $56, and a three-year license costs $78, saving owners money over single-year renewals.

Licensing revenue funds county animal services, including investigating animal neglect and abuse, responding to dog bites and caring for stray or injured animals, according to KATU's reporting.

Residents can license or renew at WashingtonCountyDogLicense.com by clicking the "Purchase or Renew" button. Dog owners should expect an email or letter from DocuPet about the transition.