Kamloops, known for its love of four-legged companions, is sending out a gentle reminder to its dog owners: registering your pets isn’t just a bylaw requirement; it’s a collective effort that offers benefits to the entire canine community in the city.
According to Richelle Cotter, representing the City, a portion of the annual registration fees, which amount to $30 for spayed or neutered animals and $65 for those that aren’t, is dedicated to supporting areas where dogs can roam freely and stay active. Over the past three years, these efforts have materialized in the form of the McDonald Dog Park, a testament to the city’s commitment to enhancing the lives of its furry residents. As Kamloops continues to grow, more such dog parks are on the horizon, and existing ones are continually upgraded.
Apart from contributing to the well-being of the city’s dog community, registering your dog offers a practical advantage. If a registered dog happens to go missing, it will be promptly returned to its owner at no additional cost. Cotter explained the convenience, stating, “Before they used to just bring the dog back to the impound, then you’d have to come pick up your dog. But, if your dog is identified with a collar and a tag, then we can get your dog back to you right away. We will drive your dog back to you.”
Currently, there are approximately 8,000 registered dogs in Kamloops, but the city acknowledges that there is still a significant number of unregistered dogs. Annual renewal e-notices are in the process of being dispatched to dog owners who have previously registered, a gentle reminder of the importance of this civic responsibility.
