Laying down the law of licensing

Dog licensing can be traced back to the first documentation in Utrecht, Holland, in 1946, with the fee for the license paid in pounds in salt. Licensing your dog can help law enforcement, animal control, shelters, and anyone who finds it quickly identify your dog and help it get back to its owner safely.

The Shoshone News-Press spoke with city clerks around Shoshone County to find out some information about licensing in the different cities.

OSBURN

Municipal Deputy Clerk Jenna Grant-Arthun with the city of Osburn explained that dog licenses are required, and cat licenses are not. Dogs’ licenses are $10 if spayed or neutered and $15 if not. Licenses are good for one year and come in at the beginning of each year.

There are no late fees, and proof of rabies vaccination is not required.

“Violations have progressive penalties,” Grant-Arthun said. “The first violation is $25, second is $50, and a third violation or more in the same calendar year is $100.”

City of Osburn

921 E. Mullan Ave.

Osburn, ID 83849

208-752-0001

KELLOGG

In the city of Kellogg, Clerk Bobby Jukovich explain that dog licensing is $20 for dogs that are not spayed or neutered and $10 if they are. “The city of Kellogg typically issues around 30-40 tags per year. I don’t believe we have ever written a ticket to someone for not registering their dog for the past seven years I have been working for the city.”

City of Kellogg

1007 McKinley Ave W.

Kellogg, ID 83837

208-786-9131

WALLACE

Kristina Larson with the city of Wallace explained, “We require dog tags. They are $6 for spayed/neutered and $10 for non. If a dog is impounded, it is $25 for the first day, and $10 for any additional day.”

City of Wallace

703 Cedar St.

Wallace, ID 83873

208-752-1147

PINEHURST

The city of Pinehurst has dog licenses required for residents of Pinehurst.

Licensing costs $5 if the dog is spayed/neutered and $25 if not, and proof of rabies vaccination is required. The sooner, the better, as there is a $5 late fee if purchased after April 1.

“Violations increased from $25 to $100, so please license your dog. It helps us find you if your dog decides to wander, and keeps you from being fined,” as stated by Pinehurst Police Chief John Richter, who also added that this is something the city has required since 1971.

City of Pinehurst

106 N. Division St.

Pinehurst, ID 83850

208-682-3721

WARDNER

In 2021, the city of Wardner contracted with the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Department to assist with patrolling and licensing the community’s dog population. “The fees are $10 for a neutered or spayed animal and $15 for non,” said Rick Gilbert, a volunteer who helps enforce city ordinances involving animals. Wardner recently removed the three-dog kennel fee, but they have a breeder fee. If someone living in the city limits of Wardner would like to breed dogs, they must go to a city council meeting to get approval, and the fee is $50. Dog registration will begin in the middle of April and runs for about a month, and dog owners will receive a notification in the mail.

For any questions regarding dog regulations and/or licensing fees, call Rick Gilbert between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 208-512-2174 or email casapelicanos@att.net.

SMELTERVILLE

Clerk Heidi Klein, with the city of Smelterville, explained that the city does have a three-dog limit without a kennel license. “Fees are $7.50 for a spayed or neutered dog and $25 if not. Fine violations start at $25 and go up to $100.”

Klein explained that they have hired a code enforcement agent to monitor and issue citations soon.

City of Smelterville

501 Main St.

Smelterville, ID 83868

208-786-3351

For Idaho city codes, visit https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/