The way the Town of Cobourg issues dog tags is changing, following a staff report to this week's committee-of-the-whole council meeting from licensing officer Angela Stewart.
Stewart recommended entering into an agreement with DOCUPET Pet Licensing Services to assist in the administration of this service while ensuring greater compliance (not to mention increased revenues and decreased administration costs).
Changes recommended include eliminating the early-bird discount on the fees of $20 for a spayed or neutered animal and $35 otherwise – a move that brings the town into line with the policies of neighbouring municipalities.
As well, to ensure each registration is valid for a full 365 days, Stewart recommends a 365-day system to replace the calendar-year system.
More convenience in effecting registrations will be offered to pet owners, she added, changing the current system that has the dog tags available only from Victoria Hall, Municipal Animal Services or Summer Commissioned Dog Tag Sales Agents. DOCUPET will offer the ability to license and renew dog tags on-line, over the counter, by phone, by mail. and at vendors and veterinarian clinics.
As well, they offer a free on-line Lost Pet service.
DOCUPET is already in use in a number of municipalities, Stewart said, including Kingston, Guelph and Ajax. They have quoted Cobourg a fee of $3.91 per dog tag license, which includes the cost of the tag, the administration, the registration and payment process, and the cost of mailing the dog tag to the customer.
Council voted to enter into an agreement with DOCUPET.