Did Santa bring you a new puppy or kitten for Christmas? Here are some important things to remember when taking care of your new pet.
We welcome your pets with love and patience: Give your friend time to get used to the new environment, including new smells, sights, and sounds. Introduce your children to new experiences slowly and wait patiently for them to acquire new habits. Consider working with your trainer to address behavior before it becomes a problem.
Leash your pet: Always leash your pet in public. It is against city ordinances to release dogs within city limits, and it is against city ordinances to release modified or unvaccinated cats. It is also against city ordinances to chain a dog unless someone is restraining it.
Pet License: All dogs and cats living within the city limits must have an annual city license. The city’s pet licensing requirements help keep rabies under control by enforcing rabies vaccination requirements. The license fee is $5 for spayed or neutered animals and $20 for unaltered animals. For residents age 65 and older, licenses are free if pets are spayed or neutered. Free licenses are limited to one per person. Licenses can be obtained online, by phone, email, by mail, or at a shelter.visit pets.georgetown.org/licensing-your-pets for more information.
Take care of your pet: Animals must not be allowed to damage private property other than that of their owners. Pick up your pet by promptly removing any public or private property waste and disposing of it properly. A free-roaming cat that causes annoyance while away from its owner’s property may be confiscated and the owner fined.
Establishing a relationship with a veterinarian: Veterinarians are in great demand these days. Do not take your pet to the veterinarian until there is an emergency. If your pet isn’t neutered or neutered, there are low cost options if you can wait.
For more information on Georgetown’s animal laws, please visit: pets.georgetown.org/overview/ordinances.
Here are some additional tips to consider this New Year to make sure your pet is safe.
- Consider your pet’s needs when creating an emergency kit for your family.
- Take a current photo of you and your pet together in case you get separated during a disaster.
- Keep your pet’s microchip registration information up to date.
- Put your name and contact information on your pet’s ID tag.
Click here for details ready.gov/pets.
About Georgetown Animal Shelter
The City of Georgetown Animal Shelter is located at 110 WL Walden Drive. Shelter hours are Monday-Friday 11 AM-5 PM, Tuesday-Thursday 11 AM-6 PM, and Saturday 12 PM-4 PM. The shelter offers animal care and adoption services, as well as a variety of programs throughout the year, including low-cost vaccination and fertility clinics, citywide dog and cat licensing, and adoption events. For more information, see: pet.georgetown.org.
