Dog license check starts Monday
EUGENE, Ore.--Only 23 percent of dogs in Lane County currently have pet licenses, which are required by state law for all dogs six months or older.
Starting next week, Lane County Animal Services employees will start cracking down on unlicensed dogs. The project aims to bring the number of licensed canines up--to increase safety and generate money for cash strapped Lane County.
HOW WILL THE PROGRAM WORK?
Four licensing agents will go door to door in Eugene and unincorporated Lane County and check dogs for licenses. The agents can help the pet owner fill out the license paperwork and submit it for them. If the pet owner does not have proof their dog has received the rabies vaccination, or needs to get a new vaccination, they will have 10 days to do so. If 10 days pass and the dog is still not licensed, an animal control officer will visit and provide the same options.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY DOG IS NOT LICENSED?
If an owner does not license their dog, they can be cited and fined because they are in violation of state law. LCAS Supervisor Tom Howard says fines and citations are their last resort. Rather, Howard says they are trying to make it easier for people to license their pets and increase safety in the community.
WHAT ARE THE FINES FOR NOT LICENSING MY DOG?
In the city of Eugene, $40. In unincorporated Lane County, the average fine is $242.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO LICENSE MY DOG?
If your dog is spayed or neutered, a one year license is 15 dollars. If your dog is not, a one year license is 35 dollars.
HOW DO I LICENSE MY DOG?
You need proof of a current rabies vaccination. You can fill out a form at many vet offices, at Lane County Animal Services or online.
WHAT ABOUT MY CAT?
Licensing your cat is optional, but encouraged. A spayed or neutered cat will cost 4 dollars to license. A fertile cat is 8 dollars.
WHAT NEIGHBORHOODS WILL BE CANVASSED?
Howard says the county has a list of neighborhoods to canvass He did not know which neighborhoods those would be. According to Howard, if the licensing agent sees evidence of a dog while canvassing a neighborhood, they will stop at that home.
