Front Street Shelter Launching Online Registration, Renewal For Pets

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Two months after CBS13 first revealed allegations the city shelter was illegally adopting out animals, the city has come up with a new plan to crack down on pet license problems.

Front Street Animal Hospital admits it hasn't communicated clearly with pet owners in the past, and the numbers tell the story. Only 15 percent of dogs are licensed, and three percent of cats.

The City of Sacramento's shelter is now launching a program aimed at boosting registration and letting owners know why their dollars matter.

"We're about to launch our online licensing and licensing renewal capability which hopefully will make it much easier for pet owners to do the right thing and license their pets," said manager Gina Knepp.

Currently, pet owners can't purchase a license online—something Knepp finds frustrating.

The campaign will also reveal where the license fees go and why it's important pet owners take part.

"Some of that money pays for low cost spay and neuter for those can't afford it and there are fewer litters coming into the shelter," she said.

CBS13 first reported about problems with the shelter's adoption program in September when the shelter was accused of violating the law by adopting some animals out before they had been spayed or neutered.

"The problem we encountered is that we've become so successful and the adoption numbers have grown so dramatically that the veterinary team has not," Knepp said.

It's hoped this new push for pet licensing will bring in the money to hire more veterinarians and get the pets fixed before they hit the adoption floor.

A license for a fixed dog is $20 and $10 for fixed cats.

One of the benefits the city touts is that if your licensed pet is found by animal control, it will be returned to you at no charge.

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