The dog tag program in Chatham-Kent will continue despite some nearby municipalities discontinuing it.
Chatham-Kent Manager of Corporate Communications Eric Labadie told CK News Today one benefit of having a tag on a dog is to help return a lost dog to the owner.
Labadie also said having a requirement in place for owners to purchase dog tags directly from the municipality, as opposed to using their own personalized dog tag, also helps to ensure compliance with the three dog limit per premise that is in place under the Responsible Animal Ownership By-law.
He noted the dog tag fees collected by the municipality currently help to subsidize the cost of administering and enforcing the Responsible Animal Ownership By-law.
"The Responsible Animal Ownership By-law does cover animals other than dogs, however, the largest portion of time spent by the Municipality’s animal control contractor is dealing with dog-related matters," said Labadie. "Unlike other municipalities that may have discontinued their dog tag program, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent has been able to maintain a successful program with high compliance rates for residents purchasing tags."
Under the municipal bylaw in CK, a dog licence tag is required for dogs over the age of four months and residents may not have more than three dogs per premise.
Tags are to be purchased by March 31 of each year to avoid a late penalty.
Dog tag fees are as follows:
Puppy (four months to one year) - $29.75
Dog is neutered/spayed (altered) - $29.75
Dog is not neutered/spayed (non-altered) - $40.50
Replacement Tag - $5.25
Guide Dogs and Service Dogs - (first application – proof of guide dog/service dog is required)
Late fee (after March 31st) - $10.00
Dog licence tags can be purchased at any municipal office or from Pet and Wildlife Rescue at 405 Park Avenue in Chatham.
Click here for more information about the CK dog tag program.
Have you bought your dog tags yet for 2025? You can let us know in our CK News Today Question of the Day by clicking here.