Unaltered dogs present a more significant strain on animal control and shelter resources than spayed and neutered pets. Spaying and neutering help prevent unwanted/unplanned pets, and ease the burden on government and nonprofit resources and taxpayers. The staggered fees were established to encourage responsible pet ownership, including spaying and neutering.

No. Each dog must have proof of a current rabies vaccination, administered by a licensed veterinarian. Titer tests will NOT be accepted as proof of rabies vaccination. Countywide licensing (with rabies vaccinations as a prerequisite) will reduce the risk of rabid dog bites throughout the county