Dog Census is Coming to Royal Oak

Beginning July 1, the City of Royal Oak will be conducting a city-wide dog census to ensure all dogs are licensed and have their rabies shots.

Owners have until July 1 to license their dogs without penalty at the City Clerk’s Office.  Owners with dogs found to be unlicensed during the census will be charged a $20 penalty and given 14 days to purchase a license.  Dogs over six months old are required to be licensed, and proof of rabies vaccination is needed to purchase a license.  Owners that do not comply with the 14-day notice could be issued a ticket that carries a fine of up to $500.

Unlicensed dogs are involved in half of all dog bite incidents in Royal Oak.

 “When animal control captures an unlicensed animal, we don’t know who owns it or whether it has been vaccinated” said Police Chief Corrigan O’Donohue.  “With licensed animals, we know. In a dog bite investigation, this saves an enormous amount of time and it can save the victim a series of painful rabies shots.”

“We require that all dogs in Royal Oak over 6 months old be licensed.  Getting your dog licensed helps protect the health and welfare of the community by ensuring all dogs have the proper vaccinations.  Licensing your dog also provides a great benefit to owners because we can help lost dogs find their way home,” said City Manager Don Johnson.

To apply for a license, you can visit the City Clerk’s Office, or print out the application athttp://www.ci.royal-oak.mi.us/portal/webfm_send/83  and mail it in.  A valid rabies vaccination certificate is required at the time of application.

Dog license fees as of July 1 will be:

For spayed or neutered dogs:  1-year $7; 2-year $14; 3-year $20
  For non-spayed/neutered dogs: 1-year $14; 2-year $28; 3-year $40
  (A $2 discount is offered for seniors over 60 on any license purchase)   

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this issue, please do not hesitate to call the City Clerk’s Office at (248) 246-3050.

Source: City of Royal Oak