Residents in unincorporated areas of Acton and Agua Dulce will be subject to field licensing enforcement for their cats and dogs by the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) beginning June 15, according to a news release from DACC officials.

Field enforcement efforts are designed to ensure that residents’ dogs and cats are in compliance with mandatory licensing requirements, spay/neuter, and microchipping.

Additionally, California law requires that all dogs over the age of four months be vaccinated against rabies and licensed. The County of Los Angeles requires the same for all cats.

As of Jan. 1, 2014, puppies may be vaccinated at three months but are not required to be vaccinated until four months of age.

Securing a dog or cat license assists animal control agencies if a pet becomes lost.

Related Article: Board Approves Mandatory Spay/Neuter And Microchipping For Cats

Pet owners must be in compliance with licensing, spay/neuter, and microchipping if they reside in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County (as well as within cities that contract with the county and who have adopted the county’s Title 10 ordinance).

Residents not in compliance will be subject to license fees, delinquency charges, and a $40 field enforcement fee (to offset the cost of the department’s field services). In order to avoid penalties, be sure your pet is licensed.

Residents can secure a new license by printing the application here and mailing it to DACC, or by visiting local county animal care centers.

Residents may also renew online if their pet’s license is not delinquent. Information on licensing fees can also be found on the website.

DACC offers low-cost vaccination/microchips clinics (microchips are now $15, which includes an AVID registration) and low-cost assistance (for individuals who qualify) for spay and neuter surgeries.

Ed Note. This article is a press release provided by the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control.