During Pet ID Week I wanted to showcase what the benefits are to keeping your pet’s license up to date. This is not only for dogs but for cats: including indoor ones. We all love our furry friends and never want any harm to come to them that is why it is important to spend the approximate $10 a year to do just that.
Keeping your animal license has many benefits:
- When your animal goes missing there is a larger chance of them being found and returned to you. Your animal is in the county or city database and can be accessed when your animal is found by an official or taken to the shelter and avoiding the chances of euthanasia.
- No one likes fines: the cost of a license is a lot less that the fine you would receive without one.
- In most cases you must show proof that your animal is up to date with their shots and this improves your animal’s chances to be rescued. Rabies free is the way to be.
- You might not know this but by licensing your animals you are supporting your local shelter. How cool is that?
- Licensing also helps the municipalities to keep track of how many animals a person has. This is done to prevent pet hording and other activities that could be potentially harmful to animals.
Locally, the municipalities of Manassas, Centreville, Clifton, Fairfax, Fairfax Station and Chantilly all require a dog over four months old to be licensed. This must be done within 30 days if you are moving to the area. Dog licenses are renewed annually and cast $5 for spayed/neutered dogs and $10 for “intact” dogs. Proof of vaccinations and neutering/spaying must be provided at the time of purchase. Failure to do so can result in a $250 fine.
Keep your pets safe by taking action and ensuring your pet becomes licensed and remains licensed for its lifetime.
