by Christine Ferguson
It's that time of the year once again, when the Animal Shelter begins its dog license campaign. Any Blaine County household, who has a 2004-licensed dog, has received a renewal-by-mail option from the shelter.
Why license your best friend?
A dog license is a very simple source of identification for your pet. Whether your dog becomes separated from you during a hike, or little "Houdini" likes to take a daily walk-about unsupervised, a call to the shelter with a license number can tell any citizen the dog's name and guardian.
In addition, Blaine County law requires that any dog over six-months in age be licensed. Animal Control can cite you for owning a dog without a license. Animal Control Officers have no choice other than to transport unlicensed dogs to the shelter for impoundment.
The third and final good reason for purchasing a dog license is that all license revenues helps support the Animal Shelter's operating costs. If every dog owner in our valley purchased a $10 dog license, the revenue from dog licenses could underwrite all of our annual medical costs for the dogs and cats, as well as all of the cost for their food.
Cats are not required to be licensed in Blaine County and the shelter does not have optional cat licenses.
If you would like to obtain a 2005 dog license, they are available at the Animal Shelter, the Barkin' Basement Thrift Store, Sawtooth Animal Center, Sun Valley Animal Center, St. Francis Pet Clinic, Ketchum City Hall, Sun Valley Police Department, Thunderpaws and Basics Plus.
Dog licenses expire the last day of December and need to be renewed annually.
The cost for an altered dog is $10. It is $20 for a non-altered dog. If at any time you loose a current license, the shelter will replace the tag for $1.
Christine Ferguson
