– Time For A Tiara: Column by Ginna Young – - Don’t care who let the dogs out, get them licensed

– Time For A Tiara: Column by Ginna Young –

Now that the new year is here – or almost – it’s a good time to make sure your pet’s license and vaccinations are all in order. Per Wisconsin State Statute 174.07, the law requires all dogs and cats over five months of age, to have a rabies vaccination tag and license tag.

Not only is it the law, but it’s also an extremely good idea to have the tags displayed on the collar of the pet. This was never more clear, when a sweet lost dog wandered up onto the office ramp last week. In sticking my head out the door, I could clearly see the tags dangling from the poor little guy’s collar.

I called to the dog, who came over, and we were able to discern (through the happy wiggling) not only the canine’s name, but also a phone number to call. Within minutes, the scared owner had picked up said lost dog and all was right again in the world.

So many times, a dog who gets loose is not wearing a collar and while I know the animals sometimes slip them, having the tags on them is essential. I can’t speak for anyone else, but if I see a stray dog, even if they look cold, forlorn and hopelessly lost, without tags, I will not approach them.

It may sound cruel to ignore the dog (or cat), but I’m not going to risk being bitten and having to go through rabies shots, because the dog isn’t vaccinated. If others feel that way, well, think how many lost animals might be reunited with their home, if only they were wearing the proper tags.

If found by law enforcement not wearing tags, dogs and cats are turned over to humane associations, and owners may never see them again. That is heartbreaking for not just the owners, but the pets, as those little guys’ worlds revolve around their humans.

When the animal is wearing tags, the officers are able to locate the owners and get the pet back home right away.

I believe most municipalities send out a reminder to get dog and cat licenses at the first of the year, with the utility bill. If not, Google Calendar is a great resource to keep track of things like that.

I’m not familiar with microchips that are inserted below the pet’s skin, but you may want to consult with a veterinarian to see if that’s the right path for you. In a rural area, I’d imagine that could be a good thing, to have pinpoint GPS...if it works. Around here, GPS isn’t always infallible.

No matter what, dogs and cats MUST be licensed through the municipality you live in, and vaccinated through a veterinary clinic. When you get those tags, don’t hesitate, don’t put it off, don’t wait – attach them to your pet’s collar.

It could save their life and mean that you don’t have to go through the horrible feeling, of knowing your pet is lost out there somewhere, cold and alone, missing their home.