CENTERVILLE, Iowa — As the deadline for pet registration in Centerville approaches, city officials are reminding residents about the necessary steps to ensure their pets are properly registered.
Pet licenses are available for registration from January through the end of March at a cost of $7.50 per animal. However, a $15 late fee will be imposed for registrations completed after March 31.
Officials noted that residents who acquire a dog after April 1 or have pets under six months of age can register without incurring the late penalty.
Pets must be re-registered annually, and dogs over six months old are required by state law to have a valid rabies vaccine, which must be presented at the time of registration.
Centerville City Administrator Jason Fraser says that by registering your dog you are increasing the chances of a safe return if they happen to get lost.
Fraser also provided an update on the current registration numbers.
“Last year we registered 388 animals, and this year we have 220 registered so far, so we're about two-thirds of the way through that initial period of registration. I guess just based on national average, we really should be expecting around 1,500 animals to be registered, so there’s quite a few that aren’t registered,” he said.
All proceeds from pet registration benefit the Furever Friends animal shelter in Centerville.
Fraser warned that residents found with unregistered animals will receive a citation from the police department.
