Wilmington City Council Urges Citizens to License Their Dogs
City Council shares news about licensing from the State of Delaware which manages animal control services in the City of Wilmington
Wilmington City Council President Theo Gregory is joining his Council colleagues in urging Wilmington citizens to license their dogs in accordance with City and State law. The Delaware Office of Animal Welfare, which manages animal control services throughout the State including Wilmington, issued information this week to remind citizens of their responsibility to properly license their animals and where to obtain a license.
“My family considers our puggle (beagle and pug mix) “Boo” to be part of our family,” said President Gregory. “Part of our responsibility in caring for Boo is to ensure that he is vaccinated to protect against rabies and is properly licensed. Licensing is an easy and inexpensive process that is required under City and State law, but can also help a family find their dog if the animal ever runs away from home. If a properly licensed and tagged dog is found by an animal control officer, the State will return the animal to its family. Take care of your animals with rabies vaccinations, spaying and neutering and licensing. Here is more information from the State.”
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services News Release
OFFICE OF ANIMAL WELFARE REMINDS RESIDENTS OF STATEWIDE LOCATIONS FOR PURCHASING DOG LICENSES
It’s now easier than ever for dog owners in Delaware to license their furry family members, as required by state law. The Division of Public Health Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) has just added three retail locations to the list of places where residents can purchase dog licenses. Dog licenses are required for all dogs, six months and older. Those who fail to license their dogs face fines of $50 or more.
OAW offers dog owners the opportunity to purchase licenses online through the website PetData.com/delaware through the mail by calling 1-877-730-6347, or in person at retail establishments.
The recently added retail locations are in Kent and Sussex counties: Yarn and Bone Pet Supply Store in Camden, and Pet Stop locations in Millville and Fenwick Island. They join existing locations in New Castle County: Brandywine Valley SPCA in New Castle, New London Veterinary Hospital in Newark, Delaware Humane Association in Wilmington, and New Castle County Government Center.
“There are still many pet owners who don’t know that licensing is required for dogs and we are working hard to make the process as easy as possible for them,” said Christina Motoyoshi, deputy director for the Office of Animal Welfare. “We’re very excited to expand the opportunity to purchase licenses at retail establishments, making it even more convenient for residents statewide.”
An annual dog license is $10 if the animal is spayed or neutered, and is $15 for unaltered dogs. Proof of current rabies vaccination is mandatory for dogs, cats and ferrets six months and older and is required to obtain a license. Two- or three-year licenses are available as long as the rabies vaccination is valid during that second or third year as well. Fees are waived for seeing-eye, guide or lead dogs, or dogs that have former U.S. military service.
The OAW assumed dog licensing administration from the counties and City of Wilmington beginning January 1, and created a statewide license for 2016. The State will honor expiration dates of existing County and City licenses.
“Licensing your dog ensures that if they become lost and are picked up by our officers, they will immediately be brought home”, said Mark Tobin, chief of Delaware Animal Services, the enforcement unit of OAW. “It is also much easier and cheaper than paying fines if you’re caught without one.”
According to OAW, licensing lets people know that your dog has been vaccinated against rabies. The license fees support the efforts of Delaware Animal Services, which works to reunite lost animals with their owners, ensures care and placement of stray animals, and enhances public safety.
For more information about this news release, contact:
John Rago
Communications and Policy Development Director
Wilmington City Council
Phone: (302) 576-2149
Mobile: (302) 420-7928
Email: jrago@WilmingtonDE.gov