Looks like Baxter is telling Shelby “Hey, did you hear? Dogs must be licensed! This must mean we’re smart, huh?”

The deadline for purchasing your dog license for the year is January 31. The fee is set by the Commissioners of each county. The fee in my county is $15.00 per dog. If you do not purchase by that date, the fee is doubled, unless you just got a new dog or puppy

I am a certified evaluator for a therapy dog organization. As part of testing, I am required to ask to see proof of a Dog License. It is the law to have your dog licensed and of course no group wants to certify a dog that does not meet law requirements.

I thought knowledge of Dog Licenses was a common thing. Apparently I was wrong. On at least three separate occasions, I have asked for proof of licensure, only to have the person tell me they were not aware of it. Despite the fact that the email I send out to everyone before testing mentions that you must bring proof of rabies shot AND dog license. I am not sure what they think this means. Or perhaps they do not read the information I send them. It could be that they were just trying to pull the wool over my eyes and thought I would make an exception. One person seemed truly befuddled by the license concept though, saying she had never heard of such a thing.

It made me wonder. Is this only a local thing? So I did an on-line search.  It turns out that nearly all states require you to license your dog. So I am doing my part to make you aware of this. Dog licenses may be purchased at your local Dog Warden’s Office and sometimes at other select locations. Check on-line for a list near you!