MISSION VIEJO : Amnesty Granted on Late Dog Fees

Dog owners who owe the city for license fees are being given nearly two months of amnesty to settle up with City Hall.

Until March 31, no late fees will be charged for residents who want to register their dogs. After the deadline, a $15 late charge will be assessed.

License fees are $22 for a dog that hasn’t been spayed and $11 for animals that have been fixed. Cat licenses are voluntary and cost $2 per year.

“We want more revenue to come in,” said Dan Joseph, assistant city manager. “We feel there is a significant population out there that hasn’t licensed their animals because of late fees. I know $15 isn’t going to break anyone, but when you add it to the $22 or $11 we charge, it might tend to make some people not sign up.”

So far, there has been only a 60% renewal rate from residents who had registered their dogs with the county. Mission Viejo had contracted with the county for animal services before taking over operations in July.

Dog licenses can be obtained at City Hall, 26522 La Alameda, or at the city’s temporary animal shelter in the Irvine Animal Center, 15129 Sand Canyon Road. Licenses can also be obtained by mail.

For further information, call (714) 348-2045.