Bella fetches a three-peat

It’s the top ten list you’ve been waiting fur all year:  the top dog names of 2018 based upon the licenses issued by the Ottawa County Treasurer’s Office. The most common dog names for licenses issued in Ottawa County were:

1-Bella
2-Charlie
3-Lucy
4-Bailey
5-Max
6-Sadie
7-Molly
8-Buddy
9-Cooper
10-Maggie

The top five dog breeds licensed in 2018 were 1-Labrador Retriever, 2-Golden Retriever, 3-German Shepherd, 4-Shih Tzu and 5-Chihuahua. The top five breeds licensed in 2017 were 1-Labrador Retriever, 2-Golden Retriever, 3-Chihuahua, 4-German Shepherd and 5-Shih Tzu.

Since the year 1919 Michigan law has required that dogs be licensed. Additionally, the law requires that to get a dog license proof of a rabies vaccination by a veterinarian must be provided. Along with ensuring that pet owners keep rabies vaccinations up to date, dog licenses save time, money and emotional distress. If a dog is lost, the license will make the return of the pet simple. When a stray is picked-up by animal control (or a friendly neighbor), a dog wearing its license will be returned to its owner quickly for a tail-wagging, slobbery reunion. Unlicensed dogs risk being brought to the animal shelter. The owner may face fines, redemption fees, boarding costs and vet bills. Pets who remain unidentified could be put up for adoption.

Dogs must be licensed at four months of age. In Ottawa County, dog licenses can be purchased at any time but are issued to expire the month of the dogs’ rabies vaccination. New licenses are available for either one or three years and will expire in the month of the rabies vaccination. Owners can purchase licenses through participating veterinarians, some units of government or online at www.miottawa.org/DogLicense. More information about licensing dogs in Ottawa County is available on the https://www.miottawa.org/ or by calling 616-994-4501.