Responsible Pet Ownership

A new pet can provide you and your family members with more unconditional love than you can imagine. But please remember that acquiring a pet is a lifetime commitment and should not be taken lightly.

Michigan Animal Law

• The owner of a dog 4 months old or older must have a current dog license.
• The owner of a dog must apply for a license each year. They are available at their city or township hall prior to June 1 or at the County Treasurer's Office after June 1.
• The application for a license must be accompanied by a valid certificate of a current rabies vaccination signed by an accredited veterinarian.
• Cats and Ferrets need to stay current on rabies vaccinations as well.

Most of Marquette County's townships and cities have more specific animal ordinances. Be sure to check with your local authorities to ensure you are compliant.

Pet Safety

Pets which run loose can be injured or killed by a wide variety of dangers including cars, other animals, dangerous materials and chemicals. Pets left outdoors should be provided with water, shade, and protection from rain in the summer, and with a protected place to get out of the cold and wind in the winter. Pets left chained up when no one is home can be strangled.

Licensing a dog or cat provides the county's animal control personnel a way of locating you if the animal runs off and is picked up. Even dogs and cats which "never leave the house" can get loose.

Pets are more subject to heat stress than people. Never leave them unattended in a hot car.

Pet Courtesy

Many people are disturbed by pets roaming in their yards. Try to keep your pets at home. Some people are threatened by animals. When you have your pet in public, keep it leashed. Keep pets away from outdoor areas where food is being served.

Licensing

To comply with state law, be sure to obtain your dog's license by January 1st.

From January 1st to May 31st of each year, a dog license can be purchased for $6 (spayed or neutered) or $12 (unaltered) at your city or township hall. After June 1 the price of a license doubles and must be purchased at either the Marquette County Treasurer's Office, or the Marquette County Humane Society. (Licenses can be purchased at any time during the year from the MCHS.)

Chocolay Twp.    249-1448       Negaunee Twp.    475-7869
Forsyth Twp.     346-9217       Republic Twp.    376-8827
Ishpeming City   485-1091       Richmond Twp.    475-4180
Ishpeming Twp.   485-5411       Sands Twp.       249-9169
Marquette City   228-0430       Skandia Twp.     942-7400
Marquette Twp.   228-6220       Tilden Twp.      486-6580
Michigamme Twp.  323-6608       West Branch Twp. 942-7400
Negaunee City.   475-7400

Residents in Champion, Ely, Ewing, Humbolt, Powell, Turin and Wells Township can get a dog license at the County Treasurer's Office.