The Livingston County’s Treasurer’s Office and Animal Shelter have teamed up this holiday season to encourage residents to make sure their dogs are licensed through their “License To Love” campaign and photo contest.
The goal of the campaign is to let the community know that getting a dog license is quick and easy, and helps protect pets and community as a whole. To celebrate local dogs, the County will be running their “Top Dog Contest” and will crown this year’s winner to be featured in all 2023 dog licensing advertising.
“Getting your dog a license this year is one of the best presents you can give them,” said Treasurer Jennifer Nash.
Aside from being required by Michigan State Law, officials note that dog licenses have many benefits.
“Licenses are important,” said Christy Peterson, Livingston County’s Animal Shelter Director. “A dog license provides great identification. Imagine losing your dog for a moment. If you have a dog license that identifies the dog as yours, your best friend will be returned to you in no time. Dog licenses also helps you out in case of accidents. Having an accident while your dog has a dog license means that anyone who may be bitten by the dog knows that it is rabies-free. In the case of stolen property, yes, dogs are seen as property, the license tag will prove that you are the rightful owner of the dog in question.”
Nash said it was not a problem is residents have not had their dog licensed in the past.
“There is no penalty for not ever having been licensed or for licensing late,” she said. “We simply want our dog owners to know of the requirement and the benefits, and to join us in celebrating our pets by obtaining what we call “Your License to Love.”
There are several options for those wishing to get their dog’s licensed.
The Treasurer’s Office is making getting a dog license as easy as possible with a convenient online option at https://www.livgov.com/treasurer/Pages/Dog-Licenses.aspx.
Residents will need to provide proof of their pet’s current rabies vaccination and proof of their spay/neuter (if applicable.) They can also apply for a license with those same documents by stopping by the Treasurer’s Office on the first floor of the Historic Livingston County Courthouse at 200 E. Grand River Ave. or the Animal Shelter at 418 S. Highlander Way in Howell.
To spread the word about dog licenses, the Treasurer’s Office and Animal Shelter are hosting a “Top Dog Contest” through December 31st. Residents are asked to submit a festive holiday photo of their dog to the County’s Facebook (@LivCoGov), the Animal Shelter’s Facebook (@LivingstonCountyAnimalShelter), or via email to communications@livgov.com.
In January, the County’s Facebook page will run a post asking residents to vote for their favorite photo. The photo of the dog with the most “likes” will be named the County’s Top Dog and their photo will be used in dog licensing advertising for 2023.
