Lost/Found Pets

However, many pet owners forget, or ignore, something vital – licensing their pet. A pet license is yet another way to make sure your pet is protected if they become lost. If you’ve been putting off licensing your pet because you think it’s too expensive, or doesn’t provide any benefits, this article is for you.

Here are six reasons why you should license your pet.

1. It’s the law
It’s actually required that dog owners license their pets in the state of Ohio. You could be asked to show your dog’s license while you’re out for a walk, and if you don’t have one, you’re looking at a decent-sized fine. You’ll get a tag that serves as the dog’s license, so it should be on their collar at all times. For example, in Clermont County, not having a license or not renewing it will cost you around $120. So don’t “harbor a fugitive” – learn your local pet licensing laws and follow them.

2. Your dog has a better chance of being returned home if lost
In some communities, your pet’s license means a free trip home if they’re found by local animal control. Without a license, it might mean an expensive overnight stay at the municipal animal shelter.

3. Your dog will be safer at the shelter
Licensed dogs are kept longer at shelters, and are less likely to be euthanized than unlicensed dogs are. If for some reason the shelter is having a hard time getting ahold of you, the shelter is more likely to be patient and keep trying.

4. It’s cheap
In Clermont County, it’s only $16 a year to license your dog. That’s not much too pay to ensure the safety of your dog in the future.

5. It’s quick
You likely don’t even have to go in person to register your pet. For many municipalities, you can do it online or mail the form in if you’re busy. Go online and Google “pet licensing” for your municipality and you’ll see the different ways you can obtain a license from them. There’s really no excuse not to license your pet.

6. Local shelters are supported by the fees
If you’re still having a hard time coughing up the cash for the yearly fee, know that many of the local animal shelters are benefiting from it. They use the money to maintain the facility and feed the lost dogs. It keeps them up and running, and provides support for animal control officers. This should put you at ease knowing that if your dog ever ends up in a shelter, it’s in good hands until you get there.

Here at Peppermint Pig Animal Rescue, we don’t think there is such a thing as too much protection. The more forms of identification you can arm your pet with, and the more ways you can be contacted, the greater the chance that your pet will make it home quickly if lost. Also, remember that you are just not helping your own pet –by purchasing a license, you are helping to protect all pets in your community.

Getting a License

Now that you know the reasons why getting a license is so important, where do you go to get one? The good news is the process of getting a dog license is actually quite simple! The best place to start is by contacting your local town or city government to see if licensing is required and how to start the process. Sometimes you can file for a license online, or you might just have a simple form to fill out at your local city hall.

In most cases, you will need to provide proof of a recent rabies vaccination as well as a spay or neuter certificate. The cost will vary based on your town, city or county, but the fee can range from $15 to $60. For animals who have been spayed or neutered, a discount often applies. Remember, your license must be renewed yearly with an up-to-date rabies vaccination.

(Resource: PetHub)