City of ann arbor dog park license

Lumm brought forward the dog licensing proposal in May since the city was being asked to start paying its share for local animal control services. The HSHV estimates that Ann Arbor is home to about 30, dogs, but city officials say only a small fraction of them are licensed through the city. Based on the licensing revenue, about 2, dogs were licensed in Ann Arbor, city officials said in May. Having a dog licensed through the city is one of the requirements for using either of the city's two dog parks, which is how many dogs come to be licensed.

She said the city could do better than that. It's the city's hope that through improved education and enforcement, the compliance rate eventually will improve to 50 percent or greater. Reach him at ryanstanton mlive. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. Block party permits. Commercial applicator of pavement sealant license.

Commercial quadricycle license. Domestic partnership certification. Precious metal and gem dealer. Going out of business license. Manufactured fertilizer license. Marijuana facility. Based on the current licensing revenue, about 2, dogs are licensed in Ann Arbor, Powers said.

Ann Arbor resident Brian Thompson holds up the city-issued license for Athena, a month-old border collie mix. Having a dog licensed through the city is one of the requirements for using either of the city's two dog parks, which is how many dogs come to be licensed right now.

In addition to being required under city ordinance and state law, Lumm said, licensing is recognized as one of the most important steps a pet owner can take to increase the chances of reunification should a pet become lost. She said the city could do better than that. It's the city's hope that through improved education and enforcement, the compliance rate eventually will improve to 50 percent or greater.

It's unclear at this point exactly how the city will go about achieving that, but there has been talk of both police enforcement and education, as well as making the process more customer-friendly — possibly with a new online licensing tool.

A sign posted at the entrance to the Swift Run Dog Park in Ann Arbor lets visitors know that a permit is required for entry. Dogs must display current registration, license and vaccination tags to use the park. Powers said the city is aware of some concerns in the community about dogs being off leash in public and that could be one opportunity for the city to step in to raise awareness about the need to get dogs licensed.

He said it could be similar to the approach the police department has taken to increase awareness about local traffic laws through targeted enforcement. Council Member Sally Hart Petersen, D-2nd Ward, noted there also has been talk of a citywide "dog census" to increase compliance. Powers said that's actually a statutory requirement and one tool the city will consider. Ann Arbor resident Brian Thompson, who owns a month-old border collie mix named Athena, agrees the city should make residents license their dogs.

Thompson, who regularly brings his dog to the Swift Run Dog Park, said he doesn't mind paying the licensing fee. Athena has a license that's good through June , and she has a fire-hydrant-shaped tag on her collar to prove it.

Ann Arbor resident Tobey Tait said if the city is launching an expanded licensing effort, it should allow residents the convenience of handling it online.