Animal Control Will Be Checking Near Claremont and La Verne Starting Jan. 11

Pet owners in unincorporated areas near La Verne and Claremont may see county Animal Control officers in their neighborhoods later this month.

Officers from the Department of Animal Care and Control will be checking out areas around La Verne and Claremont beginning Jan. 11, 2013, a county spokeswoman said Wednesday.

They'll be checking for documentation of "current rabies vaccinations, ensuring residents are in compliance with licensing requirements as well as the mandatory spay/neuter and microchip ordinance," Evelina Villa of county Animal Care and Control said.

California law requires all dogs and cats over the age of four months be vaccinated against rabies and be licensed, Villa said.

"Securing a dog or cat license is an important part of identification and can assist animal control agencies if your pet becomes lost," Villa said.

Pet owners are advised to comply with licensing and the mandatory spay/neuter and microchip ordinances if they reside in any unincorporated area of Los Angeles County, or in contract cities that have adopted the County’s ordinance, Villa said.

"Residents not in compliance will be subject to license fees and delinquency charges, including a $40 field enforcement fee, to offset the cost of the Department’s field services," Villa said. "In order to avoid penalties, be sure to license your pet."

New animal license applications are available online at http://animalcare.lacounty.gov. Delinquent licenses can be renewed online, Villa said.

For more information about the Department of Animal Care and Control, visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/CountyofLosAngelesAnimalCare, or follow on Twitter @LACoAnimalCare.

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