Owners encouraged to obtain pet licenses

Ventura County is using a door-to-door canvassing plan to crack down on owners of unlicensed dogs, but Thousand Oaks residents aren't part of that program. The city's been part of another door-to-door pet licensing program for 15 years, ever since it began contracting with the Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control Department for matters relating to domestic animals.

Local officials opted to contract with L.A. County because the Agoura animal shelter is conveniently located and the agency provides more extensive services for residents, according to Brenda Young, associate analyst for the Public Works Department, who manages the contract with L.A. County.

"They take in strays, provide low-cost spay and neuter programs, and do everything and anything that pertains to domestic animals," she said.

Also, the Agoura shelter can respond to nuisance complaints faster than Ventura County officials can, Young said.

Thousand Oaks enforces most of L.A. County's animal care and control codes, but exceptions are made to some sections, she said. While residents in the unincorporated areas of L.A. County are required to spay or neuter most dogs and the canines must have an identifying microchip, Thousand Oaks residents are strongly encouraged to do so but aren't required to by law, Young said.

"But licensing is a state law mandated by the California State Health and Safety Code," Young said. "It's not optional because it's a rabies-control measure."

Rabies vaccination is required to get a license. This past year about 13,500 people renewed their pets' licenses, said Young, indicating that most Thousand Oaks residents are very responsible pet owners.

"Sometimes people try to save a little bit of money by not complying-that's why we canvass," Young said.

The licensing program protects the pets and enables the local shelter to reunite lost dogs with their owners.

Licenses can be purchased at the Agoura shelter and at City Hall.Annual fees are $30 for an unaltered dog, $10 for an altered dog, and $5 for an altered dog owned by a senior citizen 60 years or older.

A penalty of $20 is assessed for dog licenses that aren't renewed on time.Cats may also be licensed but the program is voluntary.

Since people sometimes get confused, said Sgt. Denise Rosen of the L.A. County Department of Animal Care and Control, they

need to make sure they know whether they're in the city or the county before they contact an agency regarding animals.

"We don't service unincorporated areas of Thousands Oaks," she said.

The local animal care and control authorities primarily address domestic animal issues. They get involved with wildlife only at the direction of the state Fish and Game Department.