Love Your Cat Campaign
Last October, Denver properly elevated the status of cats by declaring the Mile High City cat-friendly. The proclamation was made by City Council because of the steps taken on behalf of cats by area animal care and control agencies; licensing, spay/neuter surgeries, subsidized veterinary care and “chipping.” Chipping is a local initiative to microchip cats free.
Every cat counts is a program in the six-county Denver Metro area where your cat can “go high tech” and receive a free microchip. Chip Your Cat™ is a year-long project which expects to enroll 150,000 of Denver-area felines. The program is a group effort by the Denver Area Veterinary Medical Society, the Dumb Friends League and the Metro Denver Shelter Alliance. It was launched September 2008. If you haven’t done this yet; do so, as your feline does not want to be left out.
Only about two-percent of lost cats and fifteen-percent of missing dogs find their way home. No matter how careful you are, if the resident cat should escape the chances of finding her are slim. If you are moving, it is even more important as the ordeal can be very distressing to a pet. Every Doggone Green Crusader and environmentally-conscious pet parent ought to see to it that their cat and dog has a voice; a collar, a microchip, tag and a license. Most counties now mandate a license for pet citizenship.
According to the CATalyst Council, cats outnumber dogs by 10 million in the U.S. CATalyst spokesperson Steve Dale says, “Cats are more likely to be neglected than dogs, more likely to wind up in shelters and less likely to be seen by a vet.” CATalyst is an alliance working nationwide to champion the cat.
If you live in the City and County of Denver, a license is required for each dog and cat you have over the age of 6 months. Licensure is also required for dogs who live outside the City and County of Denver and use any off-leash dog park in Denver. A license is free to any senior citizen (65 & older) or for a service dog.
In adjacent counties check with your local municipality to see if dogs and cats are required to be licensed. License fees in most counties go to help support abused, lost and abandoned pets in shelters or “recycled love zones.” In Jefferson County a portion of the licensing proceeds go to the capitol building fund for the new shelter. Fines are imposed for failure to license.
Want more information on micro-chipping
Comments
What a great program. San Francisco is among the top friendly cat cities in the country - maybe they will consider something like this as well.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!