By Khalida Sarwari
San Jose pet owners who purchase a new license, renew a license or adopt a shelter dog or cat during the next two months will be entered into a drawing to win a $1,000 cash prize as part of an animal license amnesty program.
The city is kicking off a 60-day animal license amnesty program beginning Sept. 1 and continuing through Oct. 31 to give residents the opportunity to license their dogs and cats with no citations, late fees or penalties.
As part of the promotion, residents will be entered into a lottery for a chance to win either a $1,000 grand prize or one of four $500 prizes donated by PAWS for SJACS, a nonprofit group that supports the San Jose Animal Care Center.
Pet owners must vaccinate and license their dogs and cats to comply with a state mandate that requires proof that pets are properly vaccinated with rabies vaccines. The San Jose Animal Care Center will offer $5 rabies vaccines throughout the amnesty period.
According to Jon Cicirelli, deputy director at Animal Care and Services, there are several benefits to licensing.
“Licensed pets that get lost are more likely to be reunited with their owner compared to unlicensed pets,” he said. “License fees also support animal cruelty investigations along with low-cost spay-neuter, which helps to reduce pet overpopulation.”
