The City of San José is kicking off a 60-day Animal License Amnesty Program for city pet owners next month with an extra incentive – CASH!
Beginning September 1 through October 31, 2011, San José residents have the opportunity to license their dogs and cats with no citations, late fees or penalties. License fees can be found at this website.
In conjunction with this amnesty promotion, all San José residents who purchase a new license, renew a license or adopt a San José shelter dog or cat during September and October will be entered into a lottery for a chance to win either a $1,000 grand prize or one of four $500 prizes.
San Jose is the latest city to join in the statewide effort to increase licensing, registration, vaccination, and microchipping efforts.
“We want people to know that there are many benefits to licensing besides the fact that it is required by law for all dogs and cats,” stated Jon Cicirelli, Animal Care & Services Deputy Director. “Licensed pets that get lost are more likely to be reunited with their owner compared to unlicensed pets. License fees also support animal cruelty investigations along with low-cost spay/neuter which helps to reduce pet overpopulation.”
In San Diego County, officials were pushing microchipping and vaccinations with license fee amnesty and free gifts.
“Microchipping pets is critical to confirming identity and ownership; the chance of a lost pet being reunited with its owner is increased if the pet is microchipped,” said Dawn Danielson, Director of County Animal Services. “Owners feel distraught and helpless when a pet is lost, but getting your pet microchipped at a clinic will give you peace of mind and could save your pet’s life.”
It’s a story that Danielson’s department continues to promote. In May, they issued a release telling the story of Paddy (pictured to the left), a four year old terrier that we reunited with its family after 18 months, courtesy of a microchip.
While microchipping is optional, all residents are required to vaccinate and license their dogs and cats to comply with the state rabies mandate, which requires proof that community pets are properly vaccinated with rabies vaccines.
To make it easy and convenient for the community to participate, the San José Animal Care Center is planning to offer $5 rabies vaccines throughout the amnesty period. For dates and further details, visit www.sanjoseanimals.com. Online licensing is also available.
PAWS donated the cash prizes for SJACS, a non-profit group that supports the San Jose Animal Care Center.