With pet ownership, it seems like there is a number of things you must do just to keep a pet in your home.  When required to license their beloved pooches, many owners ask “why.”  What’s the point in licensing a dog?  Although it may seem like a money-making technique, licensing is important for a dog, the owner, and the rest of the community.  Here’s a few reasons why licensing is important for your pet.

The history of dog licensing has been traced back to the 1700s, so it’s not a new requirement.  Dog licensing was first enacted to protect the livestock of farmers.  Many dogs roamed free, often getting into trouble with sheep.  Farmers needed a way to be reimbursed for their livestock when a dog wreaked havoc on the farm.  Eventually, cities started requiring animal owners to register their dogs.  They had to submit their information, along with information describing their pet, to a local government office.  If a farmer had problems with a dog, he could give a description to the office and be reimbursed for his damages.

Now, dog licensing is a way to protect the animal instead of a way to safeguard livestock.  Instead of merely describing your dog to an animal control office, you must provide certain paperwork.  In return, you receive a dog tag that identifies your pet and you as the owner.  Hence, benefit number one:  your dog carries your contact information.  If he gets lost or picked up by animal control, he is more likely to be returned to you.  You may not even have to go to look for him at the shelter if things are handled appropriately!  The same is true if your dog is injured.  Perhaps he escapes from his pen while you are away at work.  If he gets in a fight with another dog or finds his way into the street, you can feel a little better knowing that he can be helped, and you can be notified of the situation, before you return home.

Licensing also protects your dog and other people.  Areas with known cases of rabies may require that your pet has his rabies vaccination before he is licensed.  If he were to bite someone, then you have proof that your licensed pet is rabies free.  It can help keep your pooch alive and keep someone from having to undergo rabies treatment.

Many areas require that a dog is licensed, but some areas still do not.  You can wager that cities or highly populated areas will require the licensing.  The licensing fees vary according to the area, the breed of dog, and whether or not the dog has been spayed or neutered.  Often, the fee is reduced for fixed dogs.  This is a way for animal agencies to encourage animal control and discourage the number of homeless animals.

Certain breeds, normally aggressive breeds, are often charged with higher licensing fees and may have to follow additional rules, such as wearing a muzzle when in public and posting “Beware of dog” signs on the property.  Dogs are not the only animals that have to be licensed; some areas require cat licensing, too.
If you are in the dark about licensing requirements in your area, then contact a local animal agency or your veterinarian.  It’s a good idea to contact them prior to bringing home a pet or shortly after.  You normally only have a certain time period to get your dog licensed.   After that period, you may incur additional fees.

Most areas offer multiple ways to go about licensing, including applying in person, over the Internet, or through standard mail.  Before you apply for the license, make sure your pet has had any and all required vaccinations or procedures; it can save you a few dollars and may save you from an application headache!
Licensing a pet may seem a bit over the top, but it is beneficial in many ways.  The practice started long ago to protect livestock, and now it protects your pet, you, and the community.  To find out if you need to license your pet, contact a local animal agency or your veterinarian.  Ask the organization what your pet needs before he can be licensed.  Remember, licensing is not free, so also ask about any fees associated with the process.  If your pooch ever leaves home, you’ll be glad you got him licensed!

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