‘Tis the season—to license your pet! Dog licensing season has started and goes until March 1, 2011. Over the next few months, dog owners may stop by the Kent County Animal Shelter or city or township office to renew the license, or renew licenses online at www.accesskent.com/services with no additional transaction fees.
Licensing fees range from $11 to $24 depending on spay or neuter status of the animal with additional discounts for senior citizen pet owners. After March 1, fees double. A dog license is a very important way that dog owners can demonstrate responsible pet ownership. A licensed pet means that the dog has an up-to-date rabies vaccination and ensures that, if found running loose, the dog can be returned to its owner quickly and with minimal cost and hassle.
“Michigan law requires all dogs over four months of age to be licensed. What people don’t always realize is that failure to get a license each year can result in steep fines,” said Cathy Raevsky, Administrative Health Officer for the Kent County Health Department. “Most important, licensing your dog is part of responsible pet ownership, and it protects the health and safety of people and animals in our community.”
The Kent County Animal Shelter, located at 740 Fuller Ave., NE, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.  Pet owners who already have a dog licensed in Kent County will receive a postcard denoting their fee and requirements, and may renew their license online or by mail.