COURTNEY McCLURE, The Standard
NORTH DURHAM: Have you ever thought about the importance of buying a licence or tag for your pet’s collar? Buying a pet licence for your dog or cat is more important than you think. If your pet gets lost or ends up in a shelter, because they were found on the street, a licence can help get them home faster. Getting your pet a licence helps keep them and people in your community safe and frees up shelter space within local shelters for animals who need it most. Now, you can get a licence for your pet online, with the help of DocuPet the official licensing partner for the Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Shelter. DocuPet asserts, the pet licences they offer are cute, and you can customize the emblem for your pet. According to Docupet, it’s mandatory to get your dog a licence in the municipality of Uxbridge and in almost every community across North America. DocuPet also donates about 20 percent of its designer tag and product sales to their local Safe&Happy Fund partner, the Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Control Centre. One of the fastest and easiest ways to get your pet a licence is by starting online. In addition, if your pet already has a licence, you can renew it there. Firstly, you can create a profile for your pet and upload a photo. Then you must process your licence registration, and you will receive a confirmation email soon after. You can make your payment with a credit card or Visa/Mastercard debit card. DocuPet said your package should be shipped out during the following business day. If you’re renewing your pet’s licence, all you have to do is log into your existing account. All pet licences must be renewed every year, before December 31st. DocuPet will send you reminders for upcoming licence expiration via email, phone or mail. There is also a fee, and the price depends on which type of licence you get; based on the neutered/spayed status of your pet. Prices are listed as: $25 for a neutered or spayed dog, $35 for an “intact” dog and $20 for an optional cat licence. A municipal replacement tag is available for a $6 fee, with no additional charge while getting a licence for your pet. Voluntary licensing is also available for cats throughout Uxbridge Township. Although it’s not required to get a licence for your cat, it’s strongly encouraged because it can help keep your cat safe. While licensing a certified guide or assistant dog, you must visit the shelter in person, for the first time. Future renewals can be made online, once your pet has been verified as a certified guide or assistant. Non-compliance will result in a fine of about $240. To get started, visit uxbridge.docupet.com.