Frequently Asked Questions

These frequently asked questions are here to help you. If you find that your question isn't answered, please don't hesitate to call 509-754-2491 or email epdcontact@ephrata.org

Animal Control

Does the Police Department have an Animal Control Officer?
The Ephrata Police Department does not currently have a designated Animal Control Officer. All officers and sergeants in the Patrol Unit assist with animal control duties. There is also a professional staff member designated to handle the administrative paperwork for all animal related issues. 
What happens to stray dogs?
Stray dogs found within the city limits may be turned over to the Police Department for a stray dog impound. The Police Department will hold stray dogs for seventy-two (72) hours, not including Sundays or holidays, in an attempt to identify an owner. 

The Police Department posts the dog's photo and information here on our website and on our Facebook page. We also send out an email to all the local rescues and shelters. 

If no owner comes forward or the owner refuses to claim the dog, the dog is becomes property of the Ephrata Police Department. We then give the dog to a local rescue or shelter to be rehomed. 

The only dogs that cannot be released to a rescue or shelter are dogs who have been previously designated as Potentially Dangerous or Dangerous under State Law. These animals are almost always microchipped and the Police Department can identify who the owner is. If these previously designated dogs are unclaimed by their owner, they are humanely euthanized by a veterinarian.
My neighborhood has a stray/feral cat problem.
With the department's limited resources, officers are only able to impound stray dogs. But this doesn't mean that we can't connect you with local rescues and shelters in our area who may be able to help! 

Here is a list that we have gathered of animal rescues and shelters that serve Grant County. These organizations are all 501(c)(3) or government-run.
What happens when a dog bites a person or another animal?
Between state laws, health department guidelines, and city municipal codes; there is a quite a bit that happens when a dog bite is reported. 

The Health Care Authority of Washington State requires that any dog who bites a person or another domesticated animal (dogs, cats, chickens, etc.) be observed for a minimum of ten (10) days. This ten (10) day observation is to determine whether the dog is carrying the Rabies Virus. Since the Rabies Virus is fatal without medical treatment, we need to be sure that any person or animal bitten is not as risk of being infected with Rabies. 

Each county's health department or district determines the level of observation or quarantine. Under guidelines from the Grant County Health District, the Ephrata Police Department will determine whether a dog may be observed at home or impounded in quarantine for the 10 days. This decision is made with consideration of the specific circumstances of each individual bite incident. These considerations can include whether the dog is currently vaccinated against rabies; if the dog was running at large when the bite occurred; does the dog have any medical issues; is the dog showing concerning symptoms; was the bite provoked or unprovoked?

Depending on the individual circumstances of each bite incident, the Police Department will decide whether to pursue designating the dog as Potentially Dangerous or Dangerous. If circumstances warrant a designation, there is a second process that begins. 
What should I do if I suspect animal cruelty?
Call 911 or 509-762-1160 immediately.

Dog Licenses

How do I license my dog?
Fill out the Dog License Application. Once you have that in hand, bring it and a copy of your dog's current (unexpired) Certificate of Rabies Vaccination to the Ephrata Police Department Lobby. Pay the license fee, receive the license tag, and you are done.
How much is a Dog License?
The City of Ephrata determines the price of a dog license by the reproductive status of the dog. 

If your dog is spayed or neutered, the license cost is $25.00. 

If your dog is still intact, meaning it can have puppies, the license cost is $50.00

Service Animal Licenses are FREE. 
Does the Dog License expire?
In 2014, the City of Ephrata starting issuing Forever Dog Licenses. 

Forever Dog License are valid for the life of your dog. The city's municipal code only requires that you keep the rabies vaccine current. Ongoing rabies vaccine certificates do not have to be turned in. Although the Police Department can require poof of rabies at anytime after the initial licensing, we will usually only ask for proof of rabies if your dog is found running at large, you need to buy a replacement license, or is involved in a bite incident. 


Example: 

If you and your dog move to Moses Lake in 2022 but move back to Ephrata in 2023, the dog license that was issued in 2019 is still valid. You just need to call us here at the Police Department to update your address and phone information. 
What happens if I lose the license tag?
Dog license tags can be replaced for a $5.00 fee.

You will need to fill out another Dog License Application (so we have all your updated and current contact information) and provide a current (unexpired) Certificate of Rabies Vaccination.
What is a Service Animal?
Service Animals are defined as a dog who is trained to perform a task. Examples including but not limited to: retrieving objects, detecting seizures or low glucose levels, guide dogs for the seeing impaired. Emotional Support Animals do not fall under this category under state law, RCW 49.60.040 (25).

Miscellaneous

What are your hours of operation?
The Ephrata Police Department has two sets of hours of operations. 

The Patrol Division operates twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Calls for service are answered around the clock through MACC 911. To contact MACC 911 call 911 or 509-762-1160

The Business Office has the second set of hours of operation. The lobby of the police department is open Monday thru Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm excluding certain holidays. Professional staff can assist citizens with non-emergency requests and other police related business during this time.

The holiday closures for the Business Office are:

New Year's Day January 1st
Memorial Day Last Monday of May
Independence Day  July 4th
Labor Day First Monday of September
Veterans Day November 11th
Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday of November
Day after Thanksgiving Fourth Friday of November
Christmas Day December 25th
 
 
Can I ride along with an officer?
The Ephrata Police Department does not currently offer a public ride along program.
Can I make a monetary donation?
We gratefully appreciate your interest in supporting our department. The only monetary donations accepted by the Ephrata Police Department are donations for one of our Community Events or Programs. 

We currently have events and programs for:

Bike Rodeos
Kids Swag (Stickers, Pencils, Coloring Books, etc.)
Halloween
Shop with a Cop

Please come by the Police Department to discuss any possible donation with the Confidential Secretary. You can also make an appt with her by calling 509-754-2491 or emailing epdcontact@ephrata.org.
How do I request Extra Patrols or a Vacation House Check?
Extra Patrol & Vacation House Checks can be requested by filling out the Vacation House Check Form and delivering it to the Ephrata Police Department via in person, mail, fax or email. 

Please review the following guidelines for extra patrols/vacation house checks by reading the Vacation House Check Procedures.