It’s time for pet owners to renew licenses

Local governments are reminding residents to renew pet licenses, with some communities offering discounts if you renew early.

Fernie, Kimberley and Invermere require dog owners to have their pets licensed.

Meanwhile, Cranbrook and Elkford residents need to license cats as well as dogs.

These municipalities require pets over four months old to be licenced within their boundaries.

Dog licences and tags can be picked up at your respective city hall or district office.

City officials said having your pet licensed will help municipal governments keep track of pets and help you get reunited with your animal faster if they become lost.

Fees for ‘fixed’ and ‘unfixed’ animals will be different, and you can get a discount if you can prove your pet has been spayed or neutered.

“We encourage all pet owners to have their dogs and cats spayed or neutered to minimize the potential for unwanted puppies and kittens. As an incentive to spay or neuter your dog, the various license and impound fees for spayed or neutered animals are typically less than if your animal is not spayed or neutered,” said City of Cranbrook staff.

That statement has been echoed by officials in other communities as well.

A breakdown of fees in each municipality can be found below:

• Cranbrook
  • Neutered/spayed
    • Cat: $15
    • Dog: $40
  • Not neutered/spayed
    • Cat: $30
    • Dog: $60
  • Vicious dog: $225
  • A $25 discount will be applied if you renew your dog license before Feb. 28.
• Elkford
  • Neutered/spayed
    • Cat: $20
    • Dog: $20
  • Not neutered/spayed
    • Cat: $50
    • Dog: $50
  • A $20 late fee will be applied if you renew your pet license after Feb. 28.
• Fernie
  • Neutered/spayed dog: $15
  • Not neutered/spayed dog: $35
• Invermere
  • Neutered/spayed dog: $15
  • Not neutered/spayed dog: $35
• Kimberley
  • Neutered/spayed dog: $23
  • Not neutered/spayed dog: $57.50