Island County Pet Licensing Numbers Hold Steady After Digital Shift

31% was the jump in Oak Harbor animal licensing revenue in 2024, a figure that has since reversed course. The Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation (WAIF) introduced a new digital platform called DocuPet in mid-August, aiming to streamline the process for pet owners in Oak Harbor and unincorporated Island County.

WAIF Executive Director Cinnamon Hudgins stated that the system is designed to simplify registration and lower administrative expenses. The platform sends reminders via mail, email, and text before and after license expiration. A key change is that licenses no longer expire at the end of the calendar year in which they are bought.

Despite the new tools, the total number of licenses issued from Sept. 1 to Oct. 28 matched the same period last year. Hudgins noted a specific breakdown showing an increase in licenses for Island County compared to the City of Oak Harbor. She said improving the registration procedure makes communities safer and helps reunite lost pets with their families.

City Communications Officer Magi Aguilar provided context on recent financial shifts. She attributed the 2024 revenue spike and the subsequent 9% drop in 2025 to changing household circumstances and variations in the types of licenses purchased. The city measures program success through public accessibility, safety, and efficiency rather than revenue alone.

The transition to WAIF management saves Oak Harbor approximately $410 annually in tag purchases. Additional savings come from reduced staff time and lower administrative costs. Aguilar wrote that the city values the role licensing plays in supporting animal shelters and providing data for welfare planning.

Fees collected through the platform go directly to the respective jurisdictions, not to WAIF. Hudgins wrote that purchasing a license demonstrates responsibility and supports accountability within the community. The organization continues to use the digital system to manage records for both the city and the surrounding county.

The new process aims to provide valuable information for better animal welfare planning. By moving online, WAIF seeks to reduce the barrier to entry for owners. The data collected helps track the pet population across the island, ensuring that records remain current for safety and reunification efforts.