OFFICE OF ANIMAL WELFARE REMINDS RESIDENTS OF STATEWIDE LOCATIONS FOR PURCHASING DOG LICENSES

Wilmington, DE (August 17, 2016) - It's now easier than ever for dog owners in Delaware to license their furry family members, as required by state law. The Division of Public Health Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) has just added three retail locations to the list of places where residents can purchase dog licenses. Dog licenses are required for all dogs, six months and older. Those who fail to license their dogs face fines of $50 or more.

OAW offers dog owners the opportunity to purchase licenses online through the website PetData.com/delaware, through the mail by calling 1-877-730-6347, or in person at retail establishments.

The recently added retail locations are in Kent and Sussex counties: Yarn and Bone Pet Supply Store in Camden, and Pet Stop locations in Millville and Fenwick Island. They join existing locations in New Castle County: Brandywine Valley SPCA in New Castle, New London Veterinary Hospital in Newark, Delaware Humane Association in Wilmington, and New Castle County Government Center.

"There are still many pet owners who don't know that licensing is required for dogs and we are working hard to make the process as easy as possible for them," said Christina Motoyoshi, deputy director for the Office of Animal Welfare. "We're very excited to expand the opportunity to purchase licenses at retail establishments, making it even more convenient for residents statewide."

An annual dog license is $10 if the animal is spayed or neutered, and is $15 for unaltered dogs. Proof of current rabies vaccination, which is mandatory for dogs, cats and ferrets six months and older, is required to obtain a license. Two- or three-year licenses are available as long as the rabies vaccination is valid during that second or third year as well. Fees are waived for seeing-eye, guide or lead dogs, or dogs that have former U.S. military service.

The OAW assumed dog licensing administration from the counties and City of Wilmington beginning January 1, and created a statewide license for 2016. The State will honor expiration dates of existing County and City licenses.

"Licensing your dog ensures that if they become lost and are picked up by our officers, they will immediately be brought home", said Mark Tobin, chief of Delaware Animal Services, the enforcement unit of OAW. "It is also much easier and cheaper than paying fines if you're caught without one."

According to OAW, licensing lets people know that your dog has been vaccinated against rabies. The license fees support the efforts of Delaware Animal Services, which works to reunite lost animals with their owners, ensures care and placement of stray animals, and enhances public safety.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person's spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.