Washoe County Regional Animal Services is offering a limited-time free dog license promotion while also highlighting the benefits and requirements of licensing in the community.
From June 1–13, eligible dog owners can receive a free 1-year dog license when they visit WCRAS in person, and late fees will be waived during the promotion. Officials say the effort is aimed at helping more dogs wear current identification before the Fourth of July, one of the busiest times of year for lost pets. A rabies vaccination certificate is required, and the in-person location is Washoe County Regional Animal Services, 2825 Longley Lane, Suite A, Reno.
Dog licensing is required by law for any dog over the age of four months living in congested areas of Washoe County. Failure to license a dog may result in a $100 to $400 fine.
Each year, hundreds of dogs are reunited with their owners because they were licensed, according to the agency. License fees also help fund local animal welfare initiatives and support care for pets at the shelter, as well as community outreach programs.
The licensing program includes a partnership with DocuPet, which provides an enhanced pet licensing system. The license includes DocuPet’s free HomeSafeTM 24/7 lost dog service and allows people to choose a standard license tag at no additional charge or upgrade to a designer tag for an additional fee. Each tag serves as the official Washoe County license.
Additional DocuPet features include designer tag styles, online license renewal, pet profile management, document uploads, order tracking, optional donations to Washoe County Regional Animal Services through the Safe&Happy Fund, and access to promotions and discounts.
Washoe County code allows up to five dogs over the age of four months per residence, with variance permits required for more than five dogs.
