Dog Licenses and Tags Now Required in West Plains

The West Plains City Council approved a new city ordinance on March 23 that will require all dog owners residing in the City of West Plains to have their pets properly tagged. The ordinance states, “No person shall own, keep, harbor or permit to be or remain on or about their premises any dog over (6) months of age which has not been licensed.”   

This new ordinance will ensure that pet owners properly vaccinate their pets, will provide Animal Control and police officers the ability to identify owners of found pets to be reconnected with their pet if found loose, and will allow properly tagged dogs that are neutered to utilize the new City Dog Park.

Pet owners can obtain their tags at City Hall, Police Department, or Animal Control by bringing in a current Rabies Vaccination Certificate for each of their pets and to fill out a short form.  There is no charge for the first tag, but replacement tags will cost $2.00. The tags will be valid from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, when renewal tags will be required.  

Pet owners will be allowed a grace period through May 15, 2021 to allow time to comply with the terms of the ordinance. Individuals who reside outside the City of West Plains and expect to utilize the Dog Park must possess a dog tag from the City of West Plains or their jurisdiction.