Royal Oak Dog Census Begins, 2,079 Dog Licenses Issued in June

The Royal Oak citywide dog census begins today to ensure all dogs over six months are licensed and have their rabies shots.

In May, Royal Oak City Commissioners approved a recommendation from City Manager Don Johnson to hire temporary census workers to go door to door to verify dogs in Royal Oak have valid licenses. 

Residents were given the month of June to license their dogs and avoid a $20 penalty.

"For the month of June, we issued 2,079 dog licenses," City Clerk Melanie Halas said. The total number of dogs licensed in Royal Oak as of June 30 is 5,348.

In his recommendation to the commission, Johnson said Oakland County animal control estimates less than 10 percent of dogs in Royal Oak are licensed. He added most dog bite incidents involve unlicensed dogs.

Owners with dogs found to be unlicensed during the census will be given 14 days to purchase a license, and a $20 penalty will be applied at the time of purchase. Owners that do not comply with the 14-day notice could be issued a ticket that carries a fine of up to $500, according to the city’s website.