Animal Control Officer Sue Northam is on a 2012 Mission: Every dog in North Andover should be licensed. If not, your dog could have a nice little ride in “THE VAN.”
The NAPD Animal Control van can be seen zipping down the side streets along Marblehead, over to Mass Ave, along Chickering, up to Johnson and then a journey to OUT COUNTRY!
Officer Sue would like every dog in NA to obtain a 2012 town dog license. It’s only $20.00 and it may be the best spent money for your pet’s protection. Dogs do get loose, dogs do bolt and dogs can wander. A simple little license on your dog’s collar can be all it takes to have your pooch returned to you safety and quickly.
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If Office Sue does pick up a dog strolling the streets, and the dog doesn’t have a license or microchip the dog will be brought to Andover Animal Hospital in hopes the owner will be able to find him. Why go though all that hassle and why stress your dog? Simply put a license on your dog’s collar. If Officer Sue picks him up she can look up the license number and have your pet returned to you. If your pooch is a repeat offender..well..I’m guessing there may be a fine associated with that. Doggie Bail!!
WHY DO DOGS HAVE TO BE LICENSED? Massachusetts law requires that all dogs over the age of four months be licensed as a rabies control measure. The dog license also lets the town know if your pet is currently vaccinated against rabies. Rabies? With the amount of wildlife moving inward to our communities this is another protective measure to ensure the safety and health of your dog. (Just last week there was a case in Southern Mass of a man infected with rabies and becoming very ill.) Also, making sure your dog has his current license attached to his collar will help greatly to having your dog returned to you in case he becomes lost, or gets out of your yard.
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MY DOG NEVER LEAVES MY PROPERTY WHY DO I HAVE TO BUY A LICENSE? Massachusetts law requires that every dog four months of age or older musthave a current license attached to its collar. Even dogs that “never leave the house” must be licensed. Dogs have a way of getting out through accidentally opened gates, sneaking out the door or human error. People do tend to forget to turn on those electric fences. A dog figures out the zip is not on, he just may take a stroll. And let’s not forget those natural disasters, although not the norm in our area, if we do have a hurricane, earthquake, major snowstorm or flood, your dog may flee for his safety and leave your property. Having a dog license on his collar will help reunite your lost pooch to you.
WHERE DO I GO TO PURCHASE MY LICENSE? The Town of North Andover sells licenses Monday thru Friday 8:30 to 4:30 at the Town Hall. Your dog must be up to date on his rabies shots before obtaining a license. Please bring this paperwork with you when you apply for your dog license. If this is a renewal, your Vet has probably already sent your updated information to the town and all you will need to do is mail in your check to receive your new license.
DOG LICENSE FEES: North Andover’s fee is $20.00
DUE DATE: North Andover is February 1, 2012
OTHER QUESTIONS? If you have other questions about licensing, please contact the very nice dog loving ladies at the North Andover Town Hall 978-688-9500 and they will be more than happy to answer your questions.
Tracey is the owner of Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care and may be contacted at 978-697-6571 or www.wigglewalk.webs.com on facebook at www.facebook.com/wigglesjigglespetcare
