It’s the legislation, however a canine license gives advantages you could not understand

Joe Jennings has been a licensing canvasser at Pasadena Humane for nearly two years. He has walked a whole bunch of miles and knocked on numerous doorways. He prides himself on being a pleasant face in the neighborhood.

Licensing your canine is a requirement in every single place you reside in California, together with the 9 cities Pasadena Humane contracts with to supply licensing providers.

Sadly, nationwide compliance amongst pet house owners with pet licensing legal guidelines is estimated to be solely round 30%.

Door-to-door canvassing is among the methods we alert folks to the significance of licensing, and it’s additionally an important alternative for us to speak concerning the providers we offer at Pasadena Humane.

“It’s frequent for folks to be just a little cautious when a stranger knocks on their door, however most of the time, they’re actually glad to speak with us, Jennings defined.

“We’re not promoting something; we’re not the canine police. We’re checking in to supply a service to pet house owners and non-pet house owners alike. I view it as inviting folks to get to know the shelter.”

The charges collected by pet licensing assist Pasadena Humane fund lots of the providers we provide. For pet house owners, these providers embrace — however usually are not restricted to — low value spay/neuter surgical procedure, vaccine clinics and pet coaching.

Even should you don’t have a pet, you could want our assist should you encounter a stray canine, injured wildlife or have one other animal-related challenge.

“I feel many individuals understand that licensing their canines is a requirement resulting from state and metropolis ordinances,” Joe stated. “What will be stunning is these further advantages {that a} license tag supplies.”

A license is proof of rabies vaccination, Joe explains, which supplies peace of thoughts to everybody in the neighborhood.

“Should you’ve ever been bitten by a canine, it’s essential to know the canine will not be rabid. Rabies is such a preventable illness, getting that shot on your canine is a no brainer.”

Licensing can be extremely useful in reuniting misplaced pets with their house owners.

An up-to-date license tag is a straightforward method for animal management officers to shortly reunite a misplaced canine with their household. Our officers will give a misplaced canine a journey dwelling (relatively than a journey to the shelter) if they can determine and attain the proprietor.

As well as, a licensing historical past will be equally useful.

“We don’t like to consider canines as property, however I’ve heard plenty of tales of canines being stolen,” explains Joe. “All of us perceive {that a} tag or perhaps a collar could fall off, however having a documented historical past of licensing your canine offers you proof {that a} misplaced or stolen canine belongs to you.”

For pet house owners Joe encounters whose canines usually are not licensed, the chance to speak concerning the many advantages of licensing will be eye-opening.

“That’s what I feel is among the highlights of my job — the possibility to speak with folks in the neighborhood about their pets and the providers that their shelter supplies for them.”

Pasadena Humane licensing canvassers can license pets on the spot. Pet house owners in our licensing service space also can renew a license or apply for a brand new license on-line, in individual at our Shelter Store, or by mail.

Should you see Joe or one among our different licensing canvassers in your neighborhood, please say “hello.”

They’re, as Joe says, pleasant faces who present a priceless service to our neighborhood!

For extra info on pet licensing or to license your pet, please go to pasadenahumane.org/licensing

Dia DuVernet is president and CEO of Pasadena Humane. 

This weblog publish initially appeared as a column within the Pasadena Star-Information on January 25, 2024.