City to Waive Penalty on Late Dog-Licensing

Dog owners can get a break on late fees for owning an unlicensed pet if they take advantage of a penalty waiver program being run through the end of the year.

Each dog older than 4 months must be licensed, and the papers must be updated every year for a flat fee of $30, said Brenda Young, who manages the city’s animal care and control program. A $20 discount is given for dogs that are spayed or neutered, and senior citizens with spayed or neutered dogs pay only $5 annually.

The city program, run under a contract with Los Angeles County out of the Agoura Animal Shelter, includes periodic citywide canvassing to collect unpaid fees and license as many pets as possible, Young said. The last crackdown occurred in 1997.

About 15,000 dogs are licensed each year in the city, and the revenue pays for administering animal care and control services. State law requires owners to license all dogs within 14 days of acquiring them and following a rabies vaccination.

The canvassing will begin Jan. 1. During the waiver period, only license fees will be charged, and late fees--which are $20 per year--will be dropped.

“People can really save a lot of money if they take advantage of the program,” Young said.

To update or buy a license, visit the Agoura Animal Shelter, 29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, or call (818) 991-0071 for information.