Dog licenses for 2015 are now available for purchase at the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) office on Field Road, the Gibsons and Area Community Centre and the Sechelt Aquatic Centre.
The SCRD encourages responsible pet ownership through licensing, public education and enforcement. Licenses for spayed or neutered dogs are only $15 while a license for an unaltered dog is $35.
A dog license helps protect pets by providing an easy-to-identify dog tag and registration with the SCRD. Licensing a dog is one of the easiest ways for the SCRD to re-unite a lost dog with their owner. To make licencing more convenient they will now be available for purchase at two new locations. This will give owners the ability to purchase their dog’s license on weekends and after regular working hours.
Dogs found running at large can be impounded and taken to the Sunshine Coast Branch of the BC SPCA where the dog will be cared for until the owner collects their dog. Impoundment fees for spayed or neutered dogs start at $30, and for unaltered dogs, the fee starts at $50.
The SCRD provides dog control services in Halfmoon Bay, Roberts Creek, Elphinstone, West Howe Sound and to the Sechelt Indian Government District. The Town of Gibsons and the District of Sechelt provide dog control services to citizens living in those municipalities.
“Remember it is important to have the tag on the animal’s collar and to make sure the home address and phone number are current,” said SCRD chief building inspector and bylaw manager Paul Preston.
Dog license renewal notices are being mailed out to pet owners who have previously licensed their dogs. Seniors purchasing a dog license receive 50 per cent discount. Licences purchased after Jan. 31, 2015 double in price.
For more information, visit www.scrd.ca/Dog-Control or call 604-885-6817.
— Submitted
