A non-profit group called CARES provides animal control services in Burien. The CARES main facility is located at 909 SW 151st St. in Burien. The phone number is (206) 81-CARES or (206) 812-2737. The office hours are 9 a.m. to 6  p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. A local non-profit group called Community Animal Resources Education Society, or CARES, performs contract animal control services for the City of Burien:

• Enforcement of Burien Municipal Code Title 6 Animals
• Dog Bites/Dangerous Dog Reports
• Impoundment of stray dogs
• Educational information about pets and pet ownership
• Rescue of sick or injured animals
• Referral to other animal service agencies

And as always, if a public safety emergency is occurring such as an in-progress vicious dog attack, residents should call 9-1-1.


WATCH INFORMATIONAL VIDEO ABOUT CARES

PET LICENSING CENTER

Click online license renewals

The City of Burien requires pet owners to purchase a license annually* for all dogs and cats 6 months of age or older. The license period runs from July 1 through June 30. The fees are payable to the City of Burien:

$20 for altered pets  ($10 after December 31st) "Proof Required"
$50 for unaltered pets. ($25 after December 31st)
$15 for residents 65 years and older (one-time fee for tag) 
$5.00 lost tag replacement fee
 
*SPECIAL NOTE: Residents 65 years of age and older may obtain a special permanent license for the lifetime of their altered pet for a one time charge of $15. Proof of spay/neuter must be submitted.

Licenses are valid from July 1 until June 30. PLEASE NOTE - Burien issues one permanent tag per pet, which (if not in arrears) is good for the life of the pet it was issued to.

 Purchase or renew pet licenses at:  

• Burien City Hall, 400 SW 152nd St., Ste. 300,
  8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday

You can also pick up an application form at:

• Burien Community Center, 14700 6th Avenue SW, 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday & 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday

Print a form online. Click application form

A licensed pet is a safer pet because it is more likely to be reunited with its family if lost. 

CARES operates a shelter at 909 SW 151st St in Burien. The office hours are 9 a.m. -  6:00 p.m. Tuesday – Friday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday. 

Call (206) 81-CARES  to report lost or found pets, report injured animals and request information regarding other animal agencies etc. You can also submit an online report.

Lost pets will receive a free ride home the first time they stray from home if they are wearing a Burien license.  An impound fee, a violation fee and kennel fees will be charged to owners of stray dogs found without a license.

1. Does CARES respond to barking dog complaints?

CARES does not respond to noise complaints about barking dogs.  We recommend nicely asking the dog’s owner to do something about the barking.

2. Does CARES pick up feral cats? 
CARES is not obligated by its contract with the City to pick up feral (untamed) cats. Neither the City or CARES has the facilities to to quarantine or rehabilitate feral cats. See  information sheet about feral cats.

3. Does CARES accept surrendered dogs and cats?
CARES is not obligated by its contract with the City to accept surrendered pets. However, CARES does accept owner-surrendered dogs and cats for a fee ranging from $50 - $125.   

4. Where is the CARES office and when is it staffed?
The CARES office is located at 909 SW 151 St. It is open and staffed Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday. Phone (206) 812-2737.  More information on CARES is on the CARES website.  

5. When can a caller expect the phone to be answered by a CARES staff member?
The phone should be answered by a CARES staff member when the office is open (see above). All phone messages are returned within 24 hours.

6. What is the City's policy on euthanasia?
Under its contract with the City, CARES must provide for the adoption, transfer or humane disposal of unclaimed animals after holding them for a minimum period as follows:
    * Licensed dog or cat  - At least 120 hours after telephone contact or for at least two weeks after posting of the notification of impoundment by regular mail.
     * Unlicensed animal: - 72 hours from the time of impoundment.

CARES' policy is to euthanize only animals with severe medical conditions.