Q: When my dog gets a rabies shot, does my vet notify Valley Oak SPCA? If so, why do I have to mail in a copy of the certificate?
A: Yes, local veterinarians notify the licensing department of all dogs who receive a rabies vaccine. It is the owner’s responsibility to mail the rabies certificate within 30 days of the shot before a penalty will be applied. Once we receive that information it can take up to 3 months before any rabies information is updated or entered in our computer software program.
Q: What is rabies?
A: Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. The virus is usually passed to humans via the bite of a rabid animal. Occasionally rabies can be transmitted if the saliva of an infected animal gets into a fresh scratch, break in the skin, or contact with mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose). In California, most cases of rabies occur in skunks and bats. Domestic animals account for three percent of animal rabies, and the rest occurs in a variety of wild animals, including foxes. Rabies can be prevented by being a responsible pet owner. Keep rabies vaccinations up-to-date for all cats and dogs. Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets, that may not be properly cared for or vaccinated regularly. Lastly, call animal control to remove all stray animals from your neighborhood since these animals may be unvaccinated or ill. To find out more information about rabies you can visit www.cdc.gov
Q: I paid for a tag at my vets office and received a license tag to put on his collar. Isn't that a license tag?
A: The tag you receive from the veterinarian is a rabies tag. If by chance your pet got lost a rabies tag would not be a form of identification.
Q: How long does it take to receive a license once its been paid for?
A: It can take up to 20 days before you receive a license in the mail. There is a delay on licensing if the information is incomplete or missing.
Q: How long is the license good for and when does it expire?
A. The license is good for a year, and expires on the day of the rabies vaccine. The State of Califorina requires that the rabies vaccination be good for the entire year for which the license is issued. The starting date of a pet license is always adjusted to the day of the vaccination. For example if your dog was vaccinated in June, but you did not purchase the license until any months following June, your license would run from June of that year to June of the following year, unless you revaccinate. If you choose to revaccinate, on or before the date the rabies vaccination expires, then we will update the expiration date of your license so that it covers the entire year.
Q: Do I still have to register my dog or cat even if they have a microchip?
A: Yes, you still have to license your dog even if they are microchip. One of the benefits of licensing is that a neighbor or motorist who finds a lost dog can call the shelter to identify the dog's owner using the tag. A microchip can only be traced by a shelter, vet or animal control officer. Licensing reunite the dog with the owner, as well as saving the dog a trip to the shelter, where the owner would have to pay a fine to get their dog or cat back.
Q: Only responsible pet owners license their dogs/cats. The dog/cat owners who really burden the system won't. How is that fair to responsible owners?
A: Irresponsible pet owners who do let their dogs run loose will face the reality of enforcement -- not just on the roaming dog issue, but now on licensing as well . This will help officers track and regulate repeat offenders and dangerous animals.
Q: What happens if I don't get a dog license for my dog?
A: Enforcement will vary depending on the situation. In most cases, an animal control officer who contacts you and your pet (for any number of reasons) and finds that the animal is not licensed may issue a summons and fine. Some animal control officers may observe a grace period following the summons wherein an owner may purchase a license and avoid paying the fine.
Q: Is my personal information made public after I submit my license application?
A: We do not distribute or sell contact information for pet owners. The contact information you provide is used to reunite you with your pet, should your pet become lost and found. Licensing can help prevent your pet from unnecessarily being picked up by Animal Control officers and impounded at the shelter. For example, if your pet is found by a neighbor and the neighbor calls the shelter with your dog or cat license number, our licensing clerk will than give the caller the contact information on the license tag. The neighbor may choose to return the dog to you directly and this can save you from hassles and an impound fee at the shelter.
Q: How do I replace my dog or cats license tag(s)?
A: Replacement tags are $1.00 for both dog and cats for City of Visalia and for dogs in the City of Dinuba. The tag must be current, if it is not current then you must pay the regular license fee and maybe a penalty fee.
Q: I paid for a tag but I haven’t received it?
A: If you paid for a tag and you mailed it to us but have not received it , this is probably because your pet is due for a new rabies vaccination. If you are not sure please call our office immediately at (559) 651-1111 or (559) 713-4686 for more information.
Q: I adopted a dog and or cat from Valley Oak SPCA and live in City limits of Visalia or Dinuba, and haven’t received my tag?
A: If you adopted a companion animal from Valley Oak SPCA and still haven’t received a tag for that animal we need the following information before a tag can be issued; proof that your new companion has been spayed or neutered and a copy of the rabies certificate. If you already mailed that information to us then please contact the licensing department at (559) 713-4686.
