Dog licence

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The dog license tag might be one of several dog tags worn.

Dog licences (dog license in American English) are required in some jurisdictions to be the keeper of a dog. Usually a dog-license identifying number is issued to the owner, along with a dog tag bearing the identifier and a contact number for the registering organization. If a stray pet is found with the tag, a rescuer can call the registering organization to get current contact information for the dog's owner.

Licensing a dog might require additional actions on the owner's part, such as ensuring that the dog has a current rabies vaccination. Licenses typically must be renewed yearly or after some small number of years.

[edit] Licencing information worldwide

Great Britain: Dog licences existed until their abolition in 1987. Dog licences were mandatory, but the requirement was widely ignored, with only about half of owners having one. The final rate for a dog licence was 37 pence. This fee was reduced from 37.5p when the halfpenny was withdrawn in 1984. This odd figure was itself a conversion from 7/6 (seven shillings and sixpence) on decimalisation in 1971. The revenue went to local authorities.

Northern Ireland: Dog licences continue to exist, under the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983. A dog licence costs £5.00 / year, or £2.50 for pensioners.

Republic of Ireland: Dog licensing exists. Individual dog licences cost €12.70 / year, and general licences (allowing unlimited dogs) are €252.42.

Germany: Dog ownership is regulated by a "dog tax" as opposed to a dog license, with the amount due depending on the breed of the dog: dogs deemed "dangerous" (such as Rottweilers) are subject to higher taxation. Aside from the fiscal implications of charging for dog ownership, the tax was also introduced with the aim of limiting the number of dogs in a particular area.

United States: Most states, municipalities, or other jurisdictions require dog licenses along with rabies vaccination, and the license duration cannot exceed the time the vaccine is effective. As a way of preventing the overpopulation of animals, some jurisdictions will charge a significantly lower licensing fee, if the owner presents veterinary proof that their pet has been spayed or neutered.