Get Your 2013 Dog License

Dog Licensing. Yes, it is that time of year again already! If you are simply renewing your dog(s) license(s), you will probably get a reminder in the mail. If this is your first time buying a dog license, you will need to make the first step. Contact your local animal control agency to find out specific information on where to go if you want to pick up the license in person, any paperwork to bring, what the fee will be because there will be a fee, etc. Before you get your fur in a ball, consider what this fee (our local fee is $12.00 per dog) is going towards. Often times, this fee will help support the local animal shelter. Dogs are also required to have their rabies vaccine before the license will be issued. So keep up on those shots! Sometimes, there are discounts if your dog is spayed/neutered, if you are a Senior Citizen, etc. Just ask. Keep in mind that there is a deadline for you to purchase your license. If you are late, they will charge a penalty fee on top of the regular fee. Here are five reasons to get your annual dog licenses. Even though these reasons are taken from the San Francisco Animal Care and Control, they hold true across the board.

1. If your dog gets lost, a license tag on your dog's collar is the fastest way to find you when your dog is found. Even if your dog is microchipped, a license tag is immediately visible and doesn't require a scanning device to read it, like a microchip does.

2. Licensing, unlike microchipping, lets people know that your canine companion has received required vaccinations that protect your dog from rabies.

3. The fee you pay for your dog license and license renewal keeps your city's animal shelter going.

4. Your dog's license shows that you are a responsible dog caregiver. When you walk your dog or let your dog run in designated areas, people will notice the license on your dog's collar and know that you really care about your dog's welfare. Dogs without licenses carry a stigma of owner neglect.

5. It's the law.

'Nuff said.

They sent a little brochure with our licenses this year containing phone numbers and answers to frequently asked questions. On the back, there is a section reading "Bet You Didn't Know" that lists the most popular breeds in our county: Collie, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Cocker Spaniel, Bassett, Coonhound, Chihuahua, Irish Setter, Sheltie, and Poodle.
Some of those surprised me! Do you know what the most popular breeds in your county are?

Wags,
Whitney