Effort renewed for county to consolidate dog licenses

The Flathead City-County Health Department is making a second offer this year to take over dog licensing in the city of Kalispell.

The last offer never made it past the Flathead County commissioners, who would have to approve an interlocal agreement with city officials.

“This whole concept is that dogs don’t really know jurisdictional boundaries and a tag that can be identified by both enforcement agencies would be beneficial,” Public Health Officer Joe Russell said.

The goal is to get more animals licensed in a more comprehensive, efficient and effective manner in Flathead County.

“Every animal that’s licensed has a tag when animal control picks them up and is then potentially not going to the shelter. Wardens have the means to identify the animals and take them back to their home,” Russell said.

The idea is supported by the Flathead City-County Health Department Board of Directors, Russell said. The department runs the animal shelter and handles dog licensing for all of Flathead County except Kalispell and Whitefish. Those cities bring in only minor revenues through dog licensing programs.

Russell presented the idea last week to the Flathead County commissioners.

A lifetime license was one idea to emerge from that meeting with the commissioners. Such a license could be offered for $50, contingent upon people keeping their animals up on rabies vaccinations.

Ordinances require people to license dogs. Many people do not. “Most people, if they let their dog run, the dog will wind up in the shelter because it’s not licensed. We want to raise the level of responsibility of pet ownership,” Russell said.

Russell said he wants to get the issue on the agenda for a Kalispell City Council work session. “If we can do it or not will be up to our elected officials. We’re fairly ready to go. We just have to polish up a few things and proceed,” he said.