Registering a dog in York County just got cheaper.
York County’s Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to pass an ordinance to change the license tax on dogs.
The cost is now $10, and the license lasts for the lifetime of the pet. Previously the tax had been $5 that dog owners paid each year.
“Outstanding idea, yes,” District 3 Supervisor Chad Green said as he cast his vote for the proposal.
The Virginia General Assembly voted last year to allow cities and counties to provide lifetime dog licenses.
County Administrator Neil Morgan recommended the decision to the board, and he said there were two reasons for the decision to set the fee at $10.
The first is to cover the cost to the county treasurer of processing and issuing the licenses. In his presentation, Morgan said the process costs the treasurer between $25,000 and $30,000 each year.
“The state requires us to issue the license, so we don’t have an option of not doing it and not charging at all,” Morgan said.
The second reason is to improve convenience for dog owners.
“Rather than have people come in every year and pay $5, you come in once and pay $10 once,” Morgan said.
The licensing tax for dogs can be paid annually in surrounding jurisdictions.
The fee is $5 in James City County for a spayed or neutered dog and $8 for one that is not; $5 and $10 respectively in Williamsburg and Newport News; and $3 and $5 respectively for Poquoson.
Williamsburg also offers lifetime licenses for $50, according to Communications Specialist Lee Ann Hartmann.
A rabies vaccination must be kept current for the pet. Licensing fees for kennels will remain unchanged.
Clarification: This article has been updated with information stating the City of Williamsburg also offers lifetime licenses for dogs.
