Michigan law says you must have your dog licensed

This week a woman came to our door asking if we had a dog. We don’t. She said she was from the county and they were conducting an annual dog census. I don’t recall ever hearing about a dog census so I looked on the Oakland County website to see what I could find. My search of their website turned up only one 4-word bullet point simply stating that they do conduct such a census. However, I did find this article stating that “Oakland County dog owners need licenses by June 1” in the Oakland Press dated 5/31/13.

Get your dog licensed today!

The deadline to register for a dog license is Saturday. After June 1 (2013), the census team from Oakland County Animal Control will be going door-to-door in northern and southwest communities in the county to check if dog owners have a license. Communities outside of their municipality have their own animal control, which will enforce the law.

Dogs must be licensed

Dogs 4-6 months or older are required to be licensed.  To purchase a dog license a current rabies vaccination must be presented.  Licenses may be purchased at the Treasurer’s Office in Town Hall December 1 through August 31 or from Oakland County Animal Control year-round.  For answers to your questions or information regarding licenses fees, contact the Treasurer’s Office at 248-451-4860 or Oakland County Animal Control Division at 248-391-4102.  Licenses are delinquent beginning June 2.  Residents new to Oakland County have 30 days to purchase a dog license.

See also:

• dog license info, WB Twp website
• dog license info, Oakland County website
• Michigan Dog Law – Act 339 or 1919

Lost pets in West Bloomfield

The Charter Township of West Bloomfield has contracted with the Oakland County Animal Control Department to provide domestic animal services to residents of the Township. In the event a family pet is lost or missing owners of the animal should consider the following information when attempting to locate their pets:

• DO NOT allow your pets to run at large. Pets must be on a leash when off your property.
• Make sure your pets are properly vaccinated and licensed. Pets should wear a collar with the appropriate licenses and tags at all times. This is the only method by which your pet can be identified by others unfamiliar with the animal.
• In the event your pet becomes lost or missing enlist the help of family members and friends to assist you in the search for your pet. The pet may have taken ill, been injuried, scared or lost and unable to find it’s way home. The more people who you have looking for the pet, the greater the chances that the dog will be found. Notify your neighbors that your pet is missing.
• Contact the following agencies to report your pet as lost or missing: Oakland County Animal Control (248) 391-4102 West Bloomfield Police Department (248) 682-9200 Michigan Humane Society (248) 852-7420 Bloomfield Township Animal Welfare (248) 433-7757 Your veterinarian (Rabies tags may have the vets phone number on them)

See also: dog-related content on the West Bloomfield Patch website