City Drops Dog Registration Fee for One Year

The Hampton City Council voted to drop their dog registration fee for one year during their Sept. 25 council meeting.

City code currently states that dog owners within city limits must license their dogs (6 months and older) with the city, which requires proof of a current rabies vaccination at the time of registration. Up until now, the city has charged an annual license fee of 5 dollars for neutered dogs and 8 dollars for un-neutered dogs.

Many of the dogs in Hampton are currently unregistered, according to city officials, which becomes problematic when dogs wander off or a dog bite occurs.

“Dog registrations promote rabies vaccinations and it helps ensure that if a dog is lost, we can get them back to their rightful owner,” said Hampton Police Chief Mark Morrison. “This helps ensure the health and safety of the city and the community.”

City councilors have discussed ways to boost dog registration numbers on numerous occasions over the years. On Thursday evening, they unanimously voted to waive the registration and renewal fees in hopes of doing just that, with several councilors saying they were unsure of whether it would work or not, but that it was worth a try. They plan on revisiting the topic in a year to see if it made a difference.

Registration forms are available at City Hall, the Post Office, Center One and the Hampton Public Library.

Residents who register their dog within the next twelve months will also have the chance of winning an assortment of dog-related prizes, such as treats, toys and an in-ground fence, which was pulled together by City Councilor Jerre Grefe. A recipient will be selected at random at the end of the year.

“I think this has slipped through the cracks, and it’s our job to get the news out there and to help educate the public,” said Grefe. “I’m really excited about this and hope it goes well.”