CARIBOU — Caribou residents have a bit extra incentive for getting their dogs licensed this year.
For purchasing their 2014 dog’s license before January 1 of 2014, they’ll automatically be entered into a raffle to win a $50 gift certificate to the veterinarian of their choice.
Each dog registered will have their tag number entered into the raffle, ensuring that folks with more than one canine receive an entry for every licensed dog.
There are over a thousand licensed dogs in Caribou, from as high as 1,209 in 2011 to as low as 1,145 for 2013.
“These licenses expire at the end of December and a $25 late fee starts on February 1,” cautioned Caribou City Clerk Jayne Farrin.
In Maine, all dogs over six months old must be licensed; to do so requires a current rabies certificate and $6 for spayed or neutered dogs, or an $11 fee for dogs still capable of producing offspring.
From a spayed/neutered pet’s licensing fee, $3 stays with the city and $3 goes to the state; for dogs that aren’t spayed or neutered, $10 of the fee goes to the state.
Fees are used to support local animal control officers and district humane agents, the investigations of animal cruelty complaints and enforcement of animal welfare laws, compliance with rabies vaccinations for dogs, care for sick and stray animals and returning lost dogs to their owners.
Dog owners can obtain licenses at the Caribou City Clerk’s office; additional information can be obtained by calling 493-3324 ext. 221 or 204.
