County treasurer, animal shelter team up for dog licensing

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This year, Livingston County’s Treasurer’s Office and Animal Shelter have teamed up to encourage residents to make sure their dogs are licensed through their annual “License To Love” campaign and photo contest.

“Getting your dog a license this year is one of the best treats you can give them,” said Treasurer Jennifer Nash.

The goal of the campaign is to let the community know that getting a dog license is quick and easy, and helps protect our pets and community as a whole.

To celebrate our local dogs, the County is running a Halloween-themed “Top Dog Contest” throughout October and will crown this year’s winner on Halloween to be featured in all 2024 dog licensing advertising.

Aside from being required by Michigan State Law, dog licenses have many benefits. “Licenses are important,” says Christy Peterson, Livingston County’s Animal Shelter Director.

“A dog license provides great identification. Imagine losing your dog for a moment. If you have a dog license that identifies the dog as yours, your best friend will be returned to you in no time. Dog licenses also helps you out in case of accidents. Having an accident while your dog has a dog license means that anyone who may be bitten by the dog knows that it is rabies-free,” Nash said.

“In the case of stolen property, yes, dogs are seen as property, the license tag will prove that you are the rightful owner of the dog in question.” Haven’t had your dog licensed in the past? That’s not a problem. There is no penalty for not ever having been licensed or for licensing late. We simply want our dog owners to know of the requirement and the benefits, and to join us in celebrating our pets by obtaining what we call ‘Your License to Love.'”

Wondering about how to get your dog licensed? You’ve got a few options. The Treasurer’s Office is making getting a dog license as easy as possible with their convenient online option. Simply apply by visiting https://milivcounty.gov/treasurer/dog-licenses/.

You’ll need to provide proof of your pet’s current rabies vaccination and proof of their spay/neuter (if applicable.) You can also apply for a license with these same documents by stopping by the Treasurer’s Office on the first floor of the Historic Livingston County Courthouse at 200 E. Grand River Ave. or the Animal Shelter at 418 S. Highlander Way in Howell. The cost of a license is available in the table below.

To spread the word about dog licenses and to celebrate our local pups this spooky season, the Treasurer’s Office and Animal Shelter are running their “Top Dog Contest” from Oct. 2-31. Residents are asked to submit a photo of their dog in costume to the County’s Facebook (@LivCoGov), or via email to communications@livgov.com. On Oct. 31, the County’s Facebook page will run a post asking residents to vote for their favorite photo. The photo of the dog with the most “likes” will be named the County’s Top Dog and their photo will be used in dog licensing advertising for 2024.