Central Okanagan dog owners shouldn’t leave renewing their pet license to the last day as local government offices will be closed on Saturday, February 28th.

The end of February is the deadline for dog owners to renew their license for 2015 without a late fee.  As of March 1st, all license renewals are subject to a late fee of $20.  As well, if their dog is found without a current license, they’ll be subject to a $300 fine.

Communications Officer Bruce Smith says, “We encourage dog owners to renew online at regionaldistrict.com and click on the ‘Dog License Online Purchase or Renewal Here’ image.  Those renewing their dog license should look for their account number and access code on the renewal notice they received in late December. Just log in and complete the safe and secure payment transaction.”

All dog owners in the Central Okanagan are reminded that if they’re found without a current license, they will be subject to a fine of $300 under the Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw.  There is Zero Tolerance for unlicensed dogs in the Central Okanagan.

Dog owners that have yet to purchase a license can also go online to license their dog.  Smith says, “Just go online, set up an account, complete the license application form and pay for it.   The new license tag will be mailed to them.”  A license costs $20 for a dog that’s spayed or neutered, $60 if it isn’t.

KELOWNA - There are many benefits for licensing your dog in the Central Okanagan.  One incentive provides licensed dog owners with a My Dog Matters rewards card.  Smith says, “It can be used for discounts and special services at more than 45 local businesses listed on the mydogmatters.ca program website.  Another incentive is that dogs with a current license get a one-time, free ticket home, should they end up at the Dog Pound.”

Dog owners are reminded that if their pet gets away they should contact the Dog Pound as quickly as possible as the Regional District is only required to hold a dog for up to 72 hours.

Licenses may be renewed or purchased at the Regional District office (1450 KLO Road), at the Dog Pound (860 Weddell Place), each municipal government office and at the Kelowna branch of the SPCA (3785 Casorso Road).  North Westside Road dog owners may also renew or purchase a license when staff is available at the main firehall (514 Udell Road) in Killiney Beach.

There’s plenty of information available about dog licensing and Responsible Dog Ownership in the Central Okanagan.  Check out regionaldistrict.com/dogs for information about the Regional Dog service and what to do if you lose or find a dog.

News from © iNFOnews, 2015