Cowlitz County has contracted with the Humane Society for the handling of most animal complaints.

The Sheriff's Office handles calls that are not listed in the contract with the Humane Society.

Complaints regarding game animals should be referred to the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife, through the Washington State Patrol.

After hours calls to the Humane Society are answered by Cowlitz County 911.  Dispatchers follow a protocol and may call out a Deputy Sheriff or Humane Society personnel, depending upon the circumstances.

A Sheriff's Deputy will respond to investigate the following dog complaints:

• Chasing pedestrians

• Trespassing

• Damaging Property

• Barking dog

• Vicious Animals

These violations are found in Cowlitz County Ordinance Ord. 6.12.040 and are a civil infraction.  Penalties are:

• $48.00 for 1st violation

• $96.00 for 2nd violation

• $144.00 for 3rd violation

• 4th and subsequent violations are at the courts discretion.

Humane Society
11 Fibre Way
Longview, WA 98632
24-hours: 360-577-0151

Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday
10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Saturday

The Humane Society of Cowlitz County administers the Cowlitz County Animal Control program, issues citations, investigates animal control complaints and provides information to the general public. Officers are on call after regular business hours for emergency animal control:

• Dog Bites
• running at large
• aggressive behavior, etc.
• investigating cases of cruelty, abuse and neglect - there is a $250 reward for information leading to a conviction
• investigating bite cases and ordering animals quarantined
• 24 hour emergency rescue of injured animals