The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has launched a new process and software for dog licensing as part of an effort to curb the problem of lost dogs and to better track licences issued to Sunshine Coast residents.
This year only, dog licences for 2016 are being sold starting Nov. 2 (previously Dec. 1) to give dog owners more time to renew their licences and to help transition over to the new system.
Dog owners will be able to renew licences on an annual basis either online or at the SCRD offices, at 1975 Field Road in Wilson Creek, at Gibsons and Area Community Centre at 700 Park Road, and at the Sechelt Aquatic Centre at 5500 Shorncliffe Ave.
A licence for spayed or neutered dogs is now $25 while a licence for an unaltered dog is $50.
A dog licence helps protect pets by providing an easy-to-identify dog tag and registration with the SCRD. When dog owners purchase their pet’s licence this year, the tag and number allocated will remain throughout the life of the dog, removing the need to issue a new tag each year.
Dogs found running at large can be impounded and taken to the Sunshine Coast Branch of the BC SPCA located at 4376 Solar Road, off Field Road in Wilson Creek, where the dog will be cared for until it is collected by its owner. Impoundment fees start at $60, and for vicious dogs, the fee starts at $250.
The SCRD provides dog control services in Halfmoon Bay, Roberts Creek, Elphinstone, West Howe Sound and the Sechelt Indian Government District. The Town of Gibsons and the District of Sechelt provide dog control services to citizens living in those municipalities.
Dog licence renewal notices are being mailed out to pet owners who have previously licensed their dogs. Seniors purchasing a dog licence now receive a 25 per cent discount. Licences purchased after Jan. 31 double in price.
As part of the launch of the new system, dog owners who purchase their licence prior to Feb. 1, 2016 will be eligible to enter their name for a one-time raffle for licence number 0001 and receive their licence at no cost for the year.
For more information, see www.scrd.ca/Dog-Control or call 604-885-6817.
