WHITEWATER REGION (Cobden) — Last night, the Protective Services Committee recommend the Council of the Township of Whitewater Region enact a by-law to permit the online payment of annual dog licensing fees. The motion was approved by Council and according to Township documents, this payment option will be advertised for launch by February 10.
The by-law details this will be done through the Township website using PayPal and an online payment surcharge of 2.9 per cent per 30 cents will be established, which is reflective of PayPal’s administrative charges. A five dollar convenience fee will also be applied so dog tags can be mailed to applicants. Tags will be available for pick-up at the municipal office or can be mailed for an extra charge.
The Township redesigned its website in late 2019 and it now includes the ability for the online submission of dog licenses and allows for payment online. Originally recommended by staff as a pilot project, they believed this would, “provide another option to pet owners, in addition to applying in person at the municipal office or at a local retailer that provides the service,” said Robert Tremblay, Chief Administrative Officer.
The animal control by-law 01-09-45, as amended, requires an annual pet tag for every dog in the Township and also requires annual immunization for rabies. According to Mr. Tremblay, the by-law is currently under review for update but By-law 19-12-1243, Schedule A, has set fees for 2020. Sterilized dogs are $15 before March 31 and cost $30 after March 31. Unsterilized dogs are $25 before March 31 and cost $40 after March 31. Replacement tags are five dollars. All costs associated with online processing are the responsibility of the applicant.
Mr. Tremblay stated the 2020 budget for the Township includes $13 thousand in dog tag revenue, compared to an estimated $12,381 in actuals for 2019. He went on to detail that in 2016, there were 1002 dog tags acquired. In 2017, the number dropped to 940 tags. It dropped again in 2018 to 817 tags and in 2019, dropped to 709 tags.
