As a pet owner, you spend plenty of time making sure your dog is healthy and safe, just like we do at PetHub. You walk him or her daily, feed them nutritious food, and take them to the vet when something seems “off”." You’ve equipped your pet with the best, most modern, digital pet ID tag from PetHub and microchipped them.

However, in the flurry of life, many pet owners forget something vital - licensing their pet. A pet license is yet another way to make sure your pet is protected if they become lost. If you’ve been putting off licensing your pet because you think it’s too expensive, or doesn't provide any benefits, this article is for you.

Here are six reasons why you should license your pet:

1. It’s the law

In the majority of states, it’s actually required that dog owners license their pets. You could get asked to show your dog’s license while you’re out for a walk, and if you don’t have one, you’re looking at a decent-sized fine. You’ll get a tag that serves as the dog’s license, so it should be on their collar at all times. For example, in Seattle, not having a license or not renewing it will cost you $125. So don’t “harbor a fugitive” – learn your local pet licensing laws and follow them.

2. It proves your dog is properly vaccinated

You can’t license your dog without getting its rabies vaccinations. Knowing your dog has its license makes it easier for the staff at a grooming salon or boarding facility to be assured your dog is healthy.

3. Your dog has a better chance of being returned home if lost

In some communities, your pet’s license means a free trip home if they’re found by local animal control. Without a license, it might mean an expensive overnight stay at the municipal animal shelter.

4. It’s cheap

In Miami-Dade County, it’s only $30 a year to license your dog if they’ve been spayed or neutered. Each location is different, but normally the cost isn't as high for pets that have been spayed or neutered. Check with your local municipality to learn more about the cost for licensing your pet.

5. It’s quick

You likely don’t even have to go in person to register your pet. For many municipalities, you can do it online or mail the form in if you’re busy. Go online and Google “pet licensing” for your municipality and you’ll see the different ways you can obtain a license from them. There’s really no excuse not to license your pet.

6. Local shelters are supported by the fees

If you’re still having a hard time coughing up the cash for the yearly fee, know that many of the local animal shelters are benefiting from it. They use the money to maintain the facility and feed the lost dogs. It keeps them up and running and provides support for animal control officers. This should put you at ease knowing that if your dog ever ends up in a shelter, it’s in good hands until you get there.

Here at PetHub, we don’t think there is such a thing as too much protection. The more forms of identification you can arm your pet with, and the more ways you can be contacted, the greater the chance that your pet will make it home quickly if lost. Also, remember that you are just not helping your own pet --by purchasing a license, you are helping to protect all pets in your community.

Originally Published: November 2016

Updated: June 2020