Why it’s so important to license your dog

Many people are unaware that dogs are required by law to be licensed. But it’s more than just a legal obligation; it plays a crucial role in community health and safety, animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. And recently, Marin Humane, which handles dog licensing in Marin, launched an easy-to-use platform called DocuPet for it. Here’s why licensing your dog is so important.

• It ensures pet identification should your fur buddy ever go missing.

Each license is linked to a unique identification number and the owner’s contact information. If a dog goes missing, shelters and animal services officers can quickly access this information and reunite the pet with their worried owner. This system dramatically increases the chances of lost dogs being returned home and reduces the number of animals that end up in shelters.

The DocuPet tags are assigned a unique code on the back, which links directly to a pet’s secure online profile, making it easy for anyone who finds a lost pet to reference the code and create a Found Pet Report in seconds. Pet owners can also create lost pet reports as soon as they realize their pet has gone missing.

• Dog licensing is a sign of responsible pet ownership.

Dog licenses require proof that your dog was vaccinated against rabies, which protects not only your dog but also public health. Ensuring your dog is up to date on vaccinations is crucial for preventing the spread of diseases that can be transmitted between animals and, in some cases, to humans.

• It supports other animal services in Marin County.

Licensing fees contribute to several aspects of animal welfare in Marin, including pet disaster preparedness, emergency pet boarding, cruelty and neglect investigations, and much more. By licensing your dog, you’re directly supporting these vital services. In essence, licensing helps ensure that the community can offer necessary care and resources to all animals in need.

• It helps enforce other animal regulations.

The cities of Marin and unincorporated parts of the county have specific regulations regarding dog ownership, including leash laws and noise ordinances. Licensing helps enforce these regulations by providing a way to track which dogs are in the area and ensuring compliance with community standards. This helps to reduce conflicts between dog owners and non-dog owners and fosters a harmonious living environment.

Licensing your dog in Marin is really easy and can be done online, by phone or in person at Marin Humane. Residents can browse hundreds of colorful and unique designer tag styles online or design their own tags with an easy-to-use customization tool.

You can buy a one-year or a three-year license, which expires on the anniversary of your dog’s rabies vaccination. License fees are substantially discounted if your pet is spayed or neutered and there are special rates for seniors and disabled residents. Is your dog’s license renewal overdue? Marin Humane is waiving all late fees on dog licenses through Sept. 21, so there’s never been a better time to keep your dog’s paw on the right side of the law. Learn more at marinhumane.org/dog-license.

Lisa Bloch is the director of marketing and communications for Marin Humane, which contributes Tails of Marin and welcomes questions and comments. Visit marinhumane.org, find us on social media @marinhumane, or email lbloch@marinhumane.org.