Animal control going door to door to check licenses
This is a press release courtesy of Lane County Animal Services
Lane County Animal Services may be heading into a neighborhood near you to ensure your pet’s wearing a license.
In a pilot project, LCAS is sending four temporary staff members door to door over a six week period to provide information on pet licensing, sell or renew pet licenses on the spot, and issue notification if a pet owner is not in compliance. Owners that receive notification will have 10 days to vaccinate their pet and purchase/renew a license or a citation may be issued.
Every dog is required by law (in Eugene and unincorporated Lane County) to sport a license when one of two things occur: either the dog reaches the age of six months, or it obtains its permanent canine teeth, whichever comes first. Failure to provide and keep the license current may result in a late fee and/or fine. There is no legal requirement to license your cat or kitten. However, voluntarily doing so will help LCAS return your loved one should they become lost.
LCAS Supervisor Tom Howard said he hopes many pet owners will take steps to purchase or renew their pet’s license before the canvassing begins September 15.
“We’re creating more opportunities for people to license their pets in order to make complying easy,” said Howard, adding that licensing your pet is more than just a matter of compliance. “Providing your pet with a license helps ensure that they’ll be returned should they become lost and it provides much-needed revenue in support of LCAS programs and services.”
To get your pet’s license, you’ll need documentation showing that your dog has a current rabies shot unless specifically exempted for medical reasons, in writing, by a licensed veterinarian. Proof of spayed or neutered animals qualifies your pet for a lower licensing fee.
Canvassers will use up-to-date licensing lists, knocking on doors of pet owners who may have slipped out of compliance. All canvassers will be dressed with LCAS t-shirts, have photo identification, and provide residents with business cards.
Canvassers will be able to check with the LCAS office to determine if a local veterinarian has reported a rabies vaccination for the dog or confirms that the animal is exempt. Licenses obtained from a canvasser will be mailed to pet owners within a week of purchase.
Pet owners have several options for renewing or purchasing their pet’s license, including:
Online. Licensing or renewing your pet’s license online takes just a few minutes. But remember, your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination. For more information on e-Licensing, go to https://ecomm.lanecounty.org/EPets/
Mail. Send in renewal or licensing applications to LCAS at 3970 W. First Ave., Eugene, OR, 97402. Forms may also be downloaded online at www.lanecounty.org/Animals
In Person. Stop by LCAS between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays.
Background
In June the Lane County Board of Commissioners allocated $70,000 of County general fund to LCAS for revenue enhancement, adoption promotion, and animal care. Among the Board’s recommendations for revenue enhancement was a canvassing outreach effort similar to one in Washington County.
LCAS met with Washington County about its outreach effort and have modeled a smaller version at a cost of $10,000. Washington County staff will assist LCAS with the pilot project, providing two days of training and mentoring to temporary staff.
For more information on the door-to-door licensing pilot program, please contact LCAS Supervisor Tom Howard at 682-2356.
