As it gears up to take over animal control services, Greater Sudbury is considering allowing residents to buy lifetime licenses for their pets, rather than having to renew them every year.
Several fees are being increased, as well, with an eye toward raising an additional $75,000, in addition to the $50,000 the city expects to raise through fee revenue.
For example, the cost of boarding an animal will increase to $27 from $10; a one-year license will cost $40, rather than $30. Residents who spay or neuter their pets would pay $25, up from $15.
“Boarding fees are charged to a pet owner when they redeem their animal and cover a portion of the costs associated with the care of the animal for their stay at the pound,” says the staff report approved by city council Tuesday. “It is recommended that these boarding fees be increased to the average rate charged by private kennels in the community so that the pound is not perceived as an alternate lower cost boarding facility.”
The cost of a license has not increased in 14 years, the report says, and needs to be updated to reflect inflation. Impound fees, which are collected when a citizen surrenders an animal or when an unlicensed animal is brought to the pound by enforcement officers, will remain at $50.
Residents will also be able to buy a three-year license for their pet for $100, or $60 if the animal is fixed. Lifetime licenses will cost $240, or $150 for fixed pets.
“Most municipalities surveyed provide pet owners with a yearly registration,” the report said. “Through public input, we have learned that there is an interest in longer-term licenses such as a lifetime option.”
“Where a three-year or lifetime license is purchased, an email will be sent to the owner annually to update the contact information if it has changed.”
Service animals that meet the definitions under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act receive free licenses in most cities, the report added.
When bylaw officers are called in to act because someone is breaking the rules, the report says city council has already established a user fee of $60 per hour.
“This fee will also be applied when bylaw enforcement officers deal with vicious dog matters.”
The new fees will take effect Nov. 1, when the city formally takes over animal control services.
