Pet license requirements in Ephrata

EPHRATA — Like most cities, the city of Ephrata has certain requirements on how pets must be cared for, including a requirement to get licenses for dogs and vaccinations for most pets.

According to policy documents from the city, all cats, dogs and ferrets over the age of four months must be vaccinated against rabies. Additionally, dogs over the age of six months must be licensed.

Fees to obtain a dog license vary based on whether or not the animal has been spayed or neutered. Dogs that have been spayed or neutered have a license fee of $27, while those who have not been made infertile have a fee of $54. Replacement licenses are $5.50.

Police and service animals do not have a license fee; however, potentially dangerous dogs have an increased license fee of $100.

Under city codes, service dogs are defined as those trained to perform a task. Examples include retrieving objects, detecting seizures or low glucose levels and guide dogs for those with vision disabilities. Emotional support animals do not fall under the definition in accordance with state law.

Dog owners must keep their animals under their control, according to city requirements. To do so, the pet must be on a leash or contained within a fenced area. Failure to maintain control of animals repeatedly may result in animals being seized.

The Ephrata Police Department maintains a small impound facility for dogs captured while running astray. Impound and boarding fees apply and dogs, generally, must be licensed by their owners.

Unlimited numbers of small animals such as gerbils, parakeets, fish, reptiles and amphibians may be kept, so long as they do not create objectionable noise concerns or otherwise annoy or disturb the public.

Roosters are not permitted in the city and the raising of pigeons, rabbits and ducks is limited.

For more information, contact the Ephrata Police Department at 509-754-2491 or via email at epdcontact@ephrata.org.