C-K dog tag deadline coming up

CHATHAM-KENT -- Dog owners have until March 31 to purchase their 2021 municipal dog tag and avoid a late fee and possible fine.

Tags can be purchased during business hours at any municipal office or the PAWR animal shelter on Park Ave. East.

Purchases can be made over the phone by calling 3-1-1 or online at https://pawr.org/product-category/dog-tags.

Fees for spayed or neutered dogs are $28. The price rises to $38 if the animal hasn't been spayed or neutered. A $10 late fee applies after March 31. Owners of dogs without tags could face a $240 fine.

If a dog is lost, the information on the tags is used to help reunite the pet with the owner.

Each year, approximately 10,000 dog tags are issued. Funds raised offset the cost of shelter operation, animal control and adoption services for pets.