Pet Licensing FAQs
Why does my dog have to be licensed?
The goal of licensing programs is two-fold. First, licensing helps prevent against rabies outbreaks by requiring a certificate of vaccination for all dogs over the age of 4 months. More importantly, licensing your pet increases the chance that you will be reunited in the unfortunate event he or she is lost. When you license your pet, your contact information is on file with the licensor allowing them to contact you if your pet is taken to an animal care facility.
What is the benefit to me?
If you’re like us, your pet is part of your family. Licensing your pet acts as a form of insurance, enabling animal control officers to contact if your pet becomes lost. Additionally, by purchasing a license for your pet, you are helping to ensure that all lost pets are given the appropriate attention and medical care while waiting to be reunited with their owners.
My dog/cat never leaves my property, why should I buy a license?
Animals are resourceful! Although many people believe that their pet will never leave their property, dogs have a way of getting out from a “secure” yard by digging, jumping over a fence, or exiting through an open gate. Natural disasters, aberrant weather, and fireworks also often cause animals to become anxious and flee their property. A license identifies you as the pet’s owner and provides animal control officers with the necessary information to reunite you and your pet. And, of course, because it is required by law! Even if your dog is a total homebody, and never wanders off without you, if you’re ever stopped by an Animal Control Officer you can be fined for failing to comply with the law.
