On Tuesday, April 30, the City of Grand Terrace held a community workshop for dog licenses. Workshop topics included license fees, number of pets, annual renewal dates, vaccination clinics and fines, and penalties.
Beginning with license fees, all dogs in the unincorporated area of San Bernardino County are required by law to be vaccinated and licensed at four months of age to avoid late fees. Dogs should be licensed within 15 days of coming home to their new family. The regular license fee is $96.00 for one year for unaltered dogs. If a dog is altered (spayed/neutered) a discount will apply on the license fee ($24.00 or $12.00 for senior citizens who are 65 years or older with proof of age or permanently disabled people). To receive the discount, the County must be provided with a copy of the animal’s Spay/Neuter Certificate (along with the Rabies Vaccination Certificate).
As for number of pets, for residential areas in the unincorporated parts of San Bernardino County, residents are allowed to have two dogs and two cats.
Licenses should be renewed annually. A $20.00 penalty fee will be assessed if the license is not renewed within 30 days of the expiration of a current license.
Animal vaccination clinics near Grand Terrace can be found at the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley, the Colton Animal Hospital, Petco in Riverside or Fontana, the Banfield Pet Hospital in San Bernardino, the Animal Medical Center of Redlands and the Loma Linda Animal Hospital.
Regarding fines and penalties, a $20.00 penalty fee will be assessed on all unlicensed dogs if the dog is five months of age or older and has been owned for more than 15 days. To license a dog four months and older, the dog should receive a rabies vaccination from its veterinarian and be given a certificate. Then the owner should get a copy of the spay/neuter certificate for a discounted fee. Finally, the owner should submit the fees and certificate(s) along with an online, mail-in, or in person application.
Additionally, it should be the responsibility of every County resident who owns, harbors, cares for, or has in custody a licensed dog, to securely attach or fasten a license tag to the dog's collar or harness so that such tag is worn by the dog at all times except while such dog remains indoors or in any enclosed yard or pen where the dog cannot escape.
For more information regarding upcoming community events, visit www.citynewsgroup.com.