York County Animal Services requires all pets to be vaccinated against rabies. Dogs are required to display a dog tag or pet license, issued by the county, that verifies that they have been registered locally. Today, I want to discuss the importance of Yorktown pet licenses, ID tags, microchips, and more.
Purpose of Yorktown Pet Licenses
Registering your dog with York County is similar to registering dogs throughout the State of Virginia. Per Virginia Code 3.2-65 (Article 5), all dogs older than four months of age are required to have a current rabies vaccination and a dog license from the locality in which they live. The General Assembly made this decision to help prevent the spread of rabies in Virginia.
Failure to obtain a York County dog license can result in a $250 penalty.
Controlling the spread of rabies not only keeps dogs safe but also keeps our entire community safe. Rabies is a truly terrifying disease. By the function of the bacteria involved, those that contract rabies develop an insatiable urge to spread it, which means widespread contagion is inevitable. The best way to prevent a rabies-propelled zombie apocalypse in Yorktown and its environs is by vaccinating your pet against rabies.
By requiring licensing, counties can also track dog ownership and consider dog-friendly amenities when budgeting for the city's parks, trails, etc.
Cost of York County Dog License
In York County, the Treasurer issues individual lifetime dog licenses for $10. The licenses may be purchased and previously obtained licenses can be renewed online. Lost tags/licenses can be acquired for a $1 duplication fee.
Questions regarding the costs and requirements of dog licensing can be directed by telephone at 757-890-3420.
Benefits of Dog Tags & Licensing
Per York Count's Animal Licensing website, "95% of lost pets that have been licensed or have identity tags are recovered. Unfortunately, 95% of lost pets that have not been licensed or do not have identity tags are never recovered."
In many cases, dog licensing fees also go to support pet-related projects like local shelters, dog parks, doggie bag dispensers, and more.
Pet ID Tags & Microchips
Please note that a dog license or dog tag is not a replacement for your dog's standard ID tag or microchip. Your dog's ID tag and county-issued dog tags should always be displayed on your dog's collar. All dogs should also be microchipped.
For all other pet species that do not require licensing, an ID tag and microchip are the best way to keep your pet safe in the event of a loss.
When microchipping your pet, remember to update the microchip contact info so that you can be the first point of contact if ever your pet is found. If you do not update the information, the veterinarian or organization that microchipped your pet will be contacted, which isn't ideal over weekends and holidays.
At Hearts at Home Pet Sitting, we have a heart for pets and our community. By following York County laws, we set the pets of our area up for long, happy lives. By offering pet parents quality flexible pet care solutions, we ensure that pet-loving families thrive.
Our trained professional pet sitters offer pet care services for cats, dogs, and small mammals. Our premier quality services include dog walking and pet sitting in the Tabb, Grafton, and Seaford areas of Yorktown as well as Poquoson, Virginia. To learn more, please contact us by email at Hello@HeartsAtHomePetSitting.com or by phone at 757-745-9868.
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