Did you know it is a Deschutes County and state requirement that all dogs that have permanent canine teeth or are six months old, whichever comes first, are required to be licensed?

A violation of the County Code can set dog owners back $287 for each dog that is not licensed-OUCH!

A dog license is affordable ($12 for spayed or neutered dogs, and $27 for a dog that has not been altered) and gives dog owners peace of mind-dog licensing improves the chance that a lost pet will be reunited with its? owner.

Licensing your dogs also make for a safer community. Before a license can be issued to a dog owner, there is a requirement that the dog has received a rabies vaccination.

Other benefits of dog licensing are:

1) A license tells everyone that your pet is not a homeless stray and that the owner cares enough to register the pet legally. Your dog is less likely to be taken to the local humane society.

2) A portion of dog licensing fees is distributed to either the Central Oregon or Redmond Humane Societies, depending on where you live.

3) Dog licensing is the law. Under Oregon Statute 609.100 and Deschutes County Code, all dogs in Deschutes County that meet the age requirement must be licensed. A violation of the law could cost you anywhere from $250 to $372 per unlicensed dog.

It?s easy! Seven local veterinarians (below), Central Oregon and Redmond Humane Societies, and the Deschutes County Finance Office (1300 NW Wall St. in Bend, 2nd Floor) can sell you dog licenses.

Cinder Rock Veterinary Clinic 2630 S. Canal Redmond

Companion Pet Clinic of Bend 3197 N. Hwy 97, A-1 Bend

Deschutes Veterinary Clinic 25 NW Olney Ave Bend

La Paw Animal Hospital 1288 SW Simpson Ave Bend

Blue Sky Vet Clinic 20205 Powers Rd Bend

Bend Spay & Neuter Project 910 SE Wilson Ave, Suite B1 Bend

Bend Veterinary Clinic 360 NE Quimby Ave Bend OR 97701