Licensing or registering your dog By Joe Rodweller
There are some misconceptions out there about when you should license your dog. Some seem to think and others say so and so told me that no matter when you get your dog you don’t have to have them licensed until the first of next year. Then again others will say, “but I didn’t get a letter saying I had to yet “ or, “no one called me to remind me.” And others just wait for the officer to knock on their door before they try the “can you give me some time I forgot” or “I have to make an appointment at the vet first.“
First, let me explain, many of us animal control officers (ACOs) have been doing this for years and we have heard many excuses, and some have been really good ones, but don’t stop giving the excuses, this can put a smile on our face and make for a better day, and who knows, we might give you that extra time.
So back to licensing your dog. We will try to put this to rest now! If you heard anything like what I have written above, it is wrong! If you’re not sure, call the town office or your ACO. If you think by waiting you’re going to save some cash? It’s not likely and in the long run it could cost you more. If your dog is under 6 months of age, you don’t have to license your dog until it reaches 6 months of age. Now, if you got your dog between January and Oct. 15 the first thing you should do, if it wasn’t done already, is call your local veterinarian or animal hospital for all the necessary shots and a check of their health. Once this is done your next step is to go to your town office and license the pet. Remember, you must have proof of a rabies vaccination. Basically the state gives you 10 days to do this once you take possession of your dog. If you call your Vet and your appointment is not until after the 10 days, don’t worry, as long as you have proof that you have an appointment I don’t think any ACO out there would give you a summons.
One more thing, we are not required to send you a letter, call you, or knock on your door and give you a break. If this is done it is a courtesy, we do not have to do this. All of this is a responsibility taken on by you for your pet. We are there to make sure you take and have the responsibility to care for your pet.
If you would like to comment or if you have any questions concerning animal control and care or just plain critter concerns you can send a letter to me at PO Box 50, New Limerick, ME 04761. I will try to answer any questions or concerns in the Animal Control and Care Corner whenever possible. Thank you ahead of time for any input, questions or concerns you may have.
Joe Rodweller of Linneus is a certified animal control officer and operates Maine Animal Control with his wife Debbie. He can be reached at 538-1347 or vial e-mail at debjoe347@yahoo.com.
