San Juan County announced the opening of its 2026 dog licensing season, with licenses available beginning Dec. 11, the County Auditor’s Office said. The annual program requires dog owners across the islands to obtain or renew licenses and includes outreach from local shelter partners highlighting adoptable animals, including Lobo, a shepherd currently fostered by the Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor (APS-FH).

Under San Juan County requirements, all dogs must be licensed annually. Owners applying for a license must provide proof of a current rabies vaccination and submit the dog’s gender, breed, name and the owner’s contact details. Fees are $15 for spayed or neutered dogs and $40 for intact dogs; a $10 late fee is assessed for licenses renewed after March 31, the Auditor’s Office said. For more details, visit Cat & Dog Ordinances | San Juan County UT.

The Auditor’s Office manages the countywide dog licensing program, which covers the islands and the Town of Friday Harbor. Licensing revenue primarily funds the licensing program itself, maintains a livestock compensation account for injuries or deaths caused by stray or dangerous dogs, and disburses remaining funds to local Animal Protection Societies for impound services and animal control, county officials said. This revenue impacts animal services in San Juan County.

Residents on San Juan Island may purchase or renew licenses at the San Juan County Auditor’s Office or at the Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor. Lopez Island residents can visit Sunset Builders Supply or Lopez Animal Protection Society for licensing services, while Orcas Island residents are able to purchase licenses by mail, the county advised. The Auditor’s Office has published guidance on where to apply and how to complete the licensing process.

Local shelter partners assist with outreach, adoptions and public information during the licensing season. The Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor provides shelter and foster care for cats and dogs and offers adoption matchmaking services that typically include vaccinations, spay/neuter, parasite treatment and health testing for animals placed in homes. The nonprofit also runs low-cost spay/neuter and wellness clinics and operates a pet food pantry to support pet owners in the community.

As part of the county’s outreach, APS-FH is promoting Lobo, a polite shepherd described by staff as a strong leash walker who enjoys playing fetch, is calm around farm animals and children, and favors water-based adventures as much as cuddles. APS-FH is fostering Lobo and is facilitating his adoption; the shelter’s listing includes contact details for anyone interested in meeting him.

County officials said the coordinated effort between the Auditor’s Office and local shelters aims to both ensure compliance with licensing requirements and to raise awareness of animals available for adoption. Licensing revenue supports direct animal services on the islands and helps underwrite responses when dogs are loose or cause harm to livestock, officials said.

For additional local context and the shelter’s current adoption listings, community outlets such as Islands’ Weekly carry stories and listings; information about the Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor is available on the organization’s website at apsfh.com. The Auditor’s Office asks dog owners to follow posted guidance on documentation and payment methods when applying for 2026 licenses.

Licenses for the 2026 season are on sale starting Dec. 11; questions about requirements, fees or where to apply can be directed to the San Juan County Auditor’s Office or to local animal shelter partners.

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Original reporting: view the original article.