Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Michigan Law 287.266 requires all dogs 4 months or older to be vaccinated against rabies and licensed in the county in which the dog resides.

No. There is no State or local laws that require cats to be licensed. We do however, highly recommend, cats be vaccinated against the rabies virus and other common diseases.

No. Only a dog is required to be licensed in Michigan. Michigan law does however require ferrets, 12 weeks and older, to be vaccinated against rabies (even though a license is not required).

You can purchase a dog license from most local veterinarian offices or the

You must provide proof that your dog has a current rabies vaccination.

There are 3 primary reasons: It is the law and proves to the State of Michigan that your dog has been vaccinated against rabies. It provides identification when your dog is lost or possibly injured and in need of medical attention. It provides evidence of ownership if your dog is stolen.

Your dog must be licensed in the county you reside. Grand Traverse County Treasurer's office will trade other current Michigan county dog licenses at no charge.

If the dog found is not wearing a license, you should call Animal Control at 231-995-6080 or after normal business hours, you may also call Central Dispatch's non-emergency number at 231-922-4550. If you find a dog with a license, during normal business hours, you can call Animal Control or even the County Treasurer's office (they have a database of licensed dog owner information) at 231-922-4735. And again, you can call Central Dispatch's non-emergency number at 231-922-4550 for after hours assistance.

You have the choice of purchasing a one, two, or three year license when your dog receives a rabies vaccination.

The county Treasurer's office will replace a lost license at no charge, providing the license is still current.

Michigan Law 750.50 describes a dog house as an enclosed structure with a roof and of appropriate dimensions for the breed and size of the dog. The dog house shall have dry bedding when the outdoor temperature is, or is predicted to be, below freezing.

A microchip is a very small chip that is injected just under the skin of your pet with a hypodermic needle. The chip contains a one of a kind identification number that can be read through a battery operated scanner.

Microchips can be read throughout the country at any participating shelter or veterinarian's office with a scanner.

No. The chip contains an identification number that is called into a 24 hour hotline. The hotline has the owner's necessary information.

Yes. The chip can be inserted into most any pet that you may own.