West Covina-Area Pet Owners Face Fees For Failure To Microchip, Vaccinate
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Animal control officers will be out in unincorporated areas of West Covina checking for compliance with laws that include requiring owners to vaccinate, spay/neuter and microchip their dogs and cats.
The county Department of Animal Care and Control is sending field officers to the West Covina area to enforce the requirements, said department spokeswoman Evelina Villa.
Residents caught not following the law will be charged license fees, delinquency penalties and a $40 field enforcement fee.
California law requires that all dogs over the age of four months be vaccinated against rabies and licensed. Securing a dog license can also help animal control agencies if a pet goes missing.
A county ordinance covering unincorporated areas requires dogs and cats over the age of four months to be spayed or neutered and to be "microchipped" with a tiny computer chip that identifies the animal and its owner.
Several cities have also adopted similar ordinances.
New animal licenses can be obtained by visiting any county animal shelter or accessing an online application at animalcare.lacounty.gov.
The Department of Animal Care and Control offers low-cost vaccination clinics and financial assistance, for individuals who qualify, for spay and neuter surgeries.
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