THIS IS AN ARCHIVED NEWS STORY FROM 2020 AND THE CONTENTS OF THIS ARTICLE MAY NO LONGER APPLY. FOR THE LATEST COMMUNITY NEWS CLICK HERE.

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn and Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) have released their annual list of the top names for dogs and cats in King County for 2019.

“Licensing your pet gives them a fighting chance of making it back home should they become lost,” Dunn said. “Beyond helping keep your own pet safe, the licensing fee you pay supports RASKC’s shelters that give thousands of pets a second chance.”

“A pet license is a gift for pets," said RASKC manager Gene Mueller. "Protecting a lost pet with identification to get home helps them, and it helps to support all our pets in the adoption center while they find their new home. Your pet license truly saves lives!”

In 2019, Newcastle residents registered 915 dogs and 305 cats. Despite the rivalry between cat-lovers and dog-lovers, King County pet owners found some common ground this year with five of the top ten names appearing on both lists. In Newcastle, Bailey is the top names for dogs, while Lucy is the most popular names for cats (see the whole list at the end of this article). 

The list is annually derived from pet license applications submitted to RASKC, which serves nearly one million residents living in 24 cities and unincorporated communities throughout King County.

“At one time or another, many families will have the unfortunate experience of losing their beloved pet — but a license could mean a ticket back home,” said Newcastle City Manager Rob Wyman. “Thank you to King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn and the Regional Animal Services of King County for their work each year to raise awareness of the services available to help protect our furry family members.”

If a licensed pet is lost, the finder can call the phone number on the pet’s tag – a service that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – to quickly reunite them with their owner. Pets receive a free ride home the first time they’re found, allowing owners to skip a trip to the shelter. Pet licenses also help fund RASKC and the important work it does.

In addition to handling lost pets and injured animals, pet license fees contribute to RASKC’s other vital duties, including animal neglect and cruelty investigations, spay/neuter programs, pet adoption services, and other work to humanely and compassionately assist local animals.

King County pet licenses are required for all dogs and cats eight weeks of age or older living in the Regional Animal Services coverage area. You can purchase pet licenses online, or at more than 70 convenient locations around the county, including many city halls and QFC stores. Learn more at the Regional Animal Service of King County’s website.

A FEW NEWCASTLE-SPECIFIC REMINDERS:

—  Your leashed pets are of course welcome in our parks! But please remember that pets MUST be on a leash.

— You are responsible for picking up your pet’s waste. Pet waste contains harmful organisms like E.coli, Giardia, and roundworms which can be transmitted to people and pets if not cleaned up. When it rains, pet waste gets washed down the storm drain and into the nearest stream or lake. The organisms in dog waste can pollute our streams, creeks, and lakes, making our favorite places to swim and play unsafe. Luckily, the solution to this problem is quite simple. All you have to do is: 1. scoop your dog’s waste, 2. put it in a bag, 3. put it in the trash. Please be considerate of your neighbors and scoop your pet's poop!

MOST POPULAR PET NAMES IN NEWCASTLE

DOGS

1. Bailey
2. Max
3. Bella
4. Charlie
5. Buddy
6. Luna
7. Rocky
8. Chloe
9. Gracie
10. Lucy

CATS

1. Lucy
2. Lola
3. Felix
4. Jack
5. Luna
6. Mango
7. Mimi
8. Oreo
9. Piper
10. Ziggy