FAQs • Grand Traverse County, MI • CivicEngage

Do I have to license my dog?: Yes. Michigan Law 287.266 requires all dogs 4 months or older to be vaccinated against rabies and licensed in the county in which the dog resides.

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Animal Control

1. Do I have to license my dog?: Yes. Michigan Law 287.266 requires all dogs 4 months or older to be vaccinated against rabies and licensed in the county in which the dog resides.

2. Do I have to license my cat?: No. There is no State or local laws that require cats to be licensed. We do however, highly recommend, cats be vaccinated against the rabies virus and other common diseases.

3. Are there any other pets that are required to be licensed?: No. Only a dog is required to be licensed in Michigan. Michigan law does however require ferrets, 12 weeks and older, to be vaccinated against rabies (even though a license is not required).

4. Where do I get a dog license?: You can purchase a dog license from most local veterinarian offices or the Grand Traverse County Treasurer's Office.

5. What do I need to get a dog license?: You must provide proof that your dog has a current rabies vaccination.

6. What is the purpose of a dog license?: There are 3 primary reasons: It is the law and proves to the State of Michigan that your dog has been vaccinated against rabies. It provides identification when your dog is lost or possibly injured and in need of medical attention. It provides evidence of ownership if your dog is stolen.

7. What if my dog is licensed in another Michigan county?: Your dog must be licensed in the county you reside. Grand Traverse County Treasurer's office will trade other current Michigan county dog licenses at no charge.

8. Who do I call if I find a lost dog?: If the dog found is not wearing a license, you should call Animal Control at 231-995-6080 or after normal business hours, you may also call Central Dispatch's non-emergency number at 231-922-4550. If you find a dog with a license, during normal business hours, you can call Animal Control or even the County Treasurer's office (they have a database of licensed dog owner information) at 231-922-4735. And again, you can call Central Dispatch's non-emergency number at 231-922-4550 for after hours assistance.

9. How often do I have to purchase a dog license?: You have the choice of purchasing a one, two, or three year license when your dog receives a rabies vaccination.

10. What happens if my dog looses their license?: The county Treasurer's office will replace a lost license at no charge, providing the license is still current.

11. What type of shelter do I have to provide for my outside dog?: Michigan Law 750.50 describes a dog house as an enclosed structure with a roof and of appropriate dimensions for the breed and size of the dog. The dog house shall have dry bedding when the outdoor temperature is, or is predicted to be, below freezing.

12. What is microchipping?: A microchip is a very small chip that is injected just under the skin of your pet with a hypodermic needle. The chip contains a one of a kind identification number that can be read through a battery operated scanner.

13. What advantages are there for having my pet microchipped?: Microchips can be read throughout the country at any participating shelter or veterinarian's office with a scanner.

14. Is the pet Owner's phone number on the chip?: No. The chip contains an identification number that is called into a 24 hour hotline. The hotline has the owner's necessary information.

15. Can the microchip be used for any other pets?: Yes. The chip can be inserted into most any pet that you may own.