(Dec. 2, 2008) -- LB Animal Control (now called "Animal Care Services") says it will be going door-to-door citywide over the next six months, working with L.A. County Animal Control to check for unlicensed dogs.
A release indicates that starting in early December, "animal license inspectors will be going door-to-door to check on delinquent licenses, initiate a license for new pets or ask for proof of rabies certification."
It's one of the first actions taken under management's recently named Manager of Animal Care Services, John Keisler (who'd effectively run the Bureau on an interim basis during a multi-month selection process).
The agency said it's canvassing to update its records, noting "there are more than 36,000 dogs currently licensed in the City of Long Beach, and even more that have never been registered with the City."
The release states: "Residents who have unlicensed dogs are encouraged to avoid a citation by securing a dog license before the canvassing effort."
For information on the dog licenseing requirement, payment of fees, purchasing procedures and further background, click here (or visit the PD Pitchford Animal Companion Village in person at 7700 E. Spring St.
The dog license application can be downloaded online at: this page.
LB's Animal Care Services bureau operates within LB's Dept. of Health and Human Services, whose Director, Ron Arias, said in the release:
"Licensing your dog is an important component of responsible pet ownership and helps protect the public's health and promote community safety [and] is the only way to ensure that you will be contacted if your pet becomes lost or impounded."
Dog licenses are $19 for 12 months for dogs that are altered (spayed or neutered) and $91 for unaltered dogs. ("In addition to reducing the cost of a dog license, spaying or neutering your pet helps reduce the number of unwanted animals," notes the release.)
State and local laws also require all dogs over the age of four months to receive rabies vaccinations and be licensed.