Starting January 1, 2025, annual permit fees will increase by 5.6% for most permit categories. This rate adjustment, in accordance with the Board of Health Code, ensures that our programs can continue to keep up with rising costs and maintain the quality of services we provide. We’re excited to continue offering valuable services to support your pet business, including inspections, compliance assistance, and guidance on health and safety standards.

Additionally, starting in 2025, the discount for multiple permits and the multi-unit discount for mobile groomers will be discontinued. This change is part of our effort to ensure a more equitable distribution of fees across all types of businesses.

To review the new fee information and plan ahead, please visit the King County Pet Business website.

The King County Board of Health Title 8 Pet Business Regulations have not undergone a substantial review or change since they were established in 2010. As the pet services industry has changed substantially in the last decade, we see opportunities to improve the code to better protect the health and safety of people and pets in animal-related businesses in King County.

We plan to begin the code revision process in 2025, with anticipated adoption in early 2026. We’ll want to hear from you and other partners to help shape this process, so stay tuned for updates in the coming year!

All dogs, cats, and ferrets aged 4 months and older need to be vaccinated against rabies in King County and Washington State.

What does that mean for pet businesses?

• Pet groomers, pet daycares, and boarding facilities are required to verify that all pets receiving services are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.
• Animal shelters must ensure that dogs, cats, and ferrets are vaccinated for rabies before being released to foster homes or adopted.

See more information in our Rabies Vaccination Guide​.

To improve customer service, and streamline inspections and recordkeeping, we will launch a new software platform in 2026. This platform will allow for online plan review, permit applications and renewals and enhance communication between businesses and Public Health staff. Stay tuned for more information, including training opportunities, in late 2025.