License Your Dog During Amnesty Days

In an effort to encourage dog owners in El Dorado County to have their dogs licensed or renew expired licenses, El Dorado County Animal Services is offering an amnesty period for late and never-licensed, spayed or neutered dogs beginning September 28 through November 30, 2013. During the two month amnesty licensing period, the penalty fees for late, expired, and never-licensed spayed or neutered dogs will be waived by Animal Services.

During this same period, the one-year license fee for a spayed or neutered dog will be reduced from $20 to $10 in El Dorado County and from $30 to $15 for dogs that reside in the city limits of South Lake Tahoe. County and City laws require licensing for all dogs at four months of age, and the dog must be current on its rabies vaccination.

Licensing is important because it helps Animal Services Officers reunite lost pets with their owners and indicates that the dog is currently vaccinated for rabies. In addition, if an animal is injured and needs emergency care, a current license provides the information Animal Services Officers need to communicate with the owner right away. Nationally, 94% of dogs that come to shelters do not have any form of identification.

Licenses can be purchased at the County’s South Lake Tahoe shelter at 1120 Shakori Drive in Meyers. Many veterinarians in El Dorado County also sell licenses.

For questions regarding the licensing Amnesty Days and the application process please call Animal Services at (530) 573-7925 in South Lake Tahoe. Additional information about Animal Services is available on their website at www.edcgov.us/animalservices.