By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Pet licenses for 2021 are now on sale in the Hays City Clerk's office.
Owned dogs and cats are required by city ordinance to have the licenses. Cost is $5 for spayed and neutered animals or $25 for unaltered pets.
Dangerous dogs, including pit bulls or dogs deemed dangerous by the court, must have proof of microchipping and a photo of the dog. There is an additional fee of $50 for a dangerous dog.
"The city allows to March 1st to get the licenses without penalty," said Stan Moore, animal control officer. "After that, you can be penalized $10 a month up to five months or $50."
City offices are currently closed to the public due to the coronavirus, and pet parents will not be able to purchase their licenses in person.
Instead, the process requires a combination of email, postal mail and a phone call, according to Moore.
"You will have to email your proof of rabies certificate and spay/neuter information to the city clerk's office at [email protected]. Then you'll have to call them at 785-628-7300 with your billing information.
"Once they have all that, they will mail you your pet licenses," Moore explained.
A pet license on record with the city can help more quickly identify the owner of a lost pet.