County program streamlines ability to keep track of pets

San Diego County Animal Services has introduced a new pet licensing system aimed at making it easier for residents to register their dogs, whether for a new license or a renewal. The system also includes a free 24/7 recovery service designed to reunite lost pets with their owners more quickly.

The department has partnered with DocuPet, a company that offers pet identification, licensing, and lost pet recovery services. Under the new system, owners can license their pets online, by mail, by phone or in person. Each license comes with a free 24/7 lost pet service called HomeSafe, which connects a pet’s unique tag number to an online profile to help reunite lost pets with their families.

“This innovative system streamlines pet licensing and improves animal welfare across our community,” said director of County Animal Services Vaughn Maurice in a statement. “With fewer pets entering shelters, we can focus more resources on those that truly need our care.”

San Diego County requires all dogs to be licensed and have a current rabies vaccination. Officials hope that by simplifying the licensing process and offering additional benefits, more pet owners will comply with the requirement.

Grant Goodwin, CEO of DocuPet, said pets registered through their system typically spend little to no time in shelters compared to unlicensed animals.

“This partnership is a meaningful step toward reducing shelter intake and increasing return-to-owner rates,” Goodwin said in a statement.

Residents using the new system can choose from hundreds of designer tag styles or customize their own. Each tag is linked to the HomeSafe recovery service, allowing users to quickly file lost and found reports online. A 24/7 dispatch team is available to help coordinate reunions.

In addition to launching the new licensing system, County shelters are hosting a “Spring Break-Out for Shelter Pets” promotion.

Throughout the month, residents can name their own adoption price for adult animals. Those who arrive wearing beach clothes — for example, Hawaiian shirts, board shorts or a sunny straw hat — will receive a free beach party kit. Adoption fees for puppies and kittens are also discounted by 25%.

By combining modern technology with traditional animal care efforts, officials aim to promote the humane and responsible care of pets, and work to find forever homes for every healthy and adoptable shelter animal in the wider San Diego community.
Residents can go and adopt their new best friend at the County animal shelters.