Animal License Promotion Underway

Pet owners are being encouraged to license their animals during the month of August through a social media promotion.
 
#GetTagged will promote the benefits of licensing by asking pet owners to license their pets and then to post a picture on one of the City’s social media platforms.
 
Despite the fact that the City’s Animal Control Legislation requires all pets to the licensed, Humane Services estimates that less than 20 per cent of animals in the City are actually licensed.
 
“The benefits of licensing are many,” said Deputy Mayor Ron Ellsworth, the chair of the Animal Care and Control Committee. “Tags help to reunite owners and their pets quickly, which is especially important if your pet is found injured and needs immediate medical attention. It could also mean less time that your pet is away from your family or in a shelter.”
 
In June, the City of St. John’s launched an initiative to draw attention to the importance of keeping dogs on leash at all times when in public. Patrol Officers are currently in the City’s parks, trails and playgrounds, reminding pet owners to keep their animals on a leash and to remind pet owners that all dogs must wear tags at all times.
 
During the month of August, residents who get their pets licensed are asked to take a picture of their pet wearing their new tags and tweet it @CityofStJohns (#GetTagged); post it on the City’s Facebook page; share it on Instagram; or email it to communications@stjohns.ca. Owners will be entered to win a great prize, including a $100 gift certificate at the pet store of their choice and a free license for the life of the animal.
 
“We hope that this campaign, combined with our ongoing advertising efforts, will increase the numbers of dogs and cats licensed in the City,” said Ellsworth. “I look forward to seeing the faces of the animals that call St. John’s home.”
 
Details about where to license your pet are available online.