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 Animal Care Services Bureau of the Department of Health and Human Services will be working with Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control to update license records through citywide door-to-door canvassing over the next six months.
“Licensing your dog is an important component of responsible pet ownership and helps protect the public’s health and promote community safety,” said Ronald R. Arias, department director. “Licensing your dog is the only way to ensure that you will be contacted if your pet becomes lost or impounded.”
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.
Residents who have unlicensed dogs are encouraged to avoid a citation by securing a dog license before the canvassing effort by visiting the PD Pitchford Animal Companion Village, 7700 E. Spring St., or going to www.longbeach.gov/acs for an online application. Dog licenses are currently $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 pets helps reduce the number of unwanted animals.)
State and local laws require that all dogs over the age of four months must receive their rabies vaccinations and be licensed. Also, licenses are crucial tools for reuniting lost pets and their owners.
For more information regarding Animal Care Services, or to obtain information about the license canvassing effort, contact the Animal Care Services Bureau at (562) 570-7387. More information about responsible pet ownership is available online at www.longbeach.gov/acs.
