Santa Barbara County Animal Control officers will be canvassing door-to-door in the Lompoc Valley, Santa Ynez Valley and surrounding areas to increase the number of pets currently rabies vaccinated and to ensure that all dogs in the county are licensed as required by law. The campaign is expected to last about two months in mid-county areas.

Santa Barbara County Animal Services initiated its annual dog license canvass program in April with a two-week amnesty period, during which dog owners were encouraged to go to their local county Animal Services Shelter and purchase a license without penalty prior to the door-to-door collection. The program now is moving to the middle of the county.

“Dog licenses serve many important purposes and they are often your pet's ticket home,” said Jan Glick, county animal services director.

“When Animal Services officers pick up a pet wearing tags, the first thing they try to do is return the pet home,” said Glick.

Dog licensing is also key to rabies control. Current rabies vaccinations for pets are crucial to protect your dog and the public from rabies, which is always a risk in Santa Barbara County. Dog licenses are insurance that dogs are current on their rabies vaccination. For information on how to license a pet, citizens can contact the Lompoc Shelter, 1501 W. Central Ave., 737-7755.

Rabies vaccinations and dog licenses are required for all dogs four months and older in all Santa Barbara County cities and the unincorporated county. Proof of a current rabies vaccination, proof of sterilization (if applicable), and payment of the licensing fee are all that is required. Revenues from dog license sales support the Animal Services rabies control program and animals care at the three County Animal Shelters. Cat licenses are not required, but are recommended.

July 8, 2007

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