Ottawa County top dog chosen!

Ottawa County's Top Dog Chosen 

The votes are in! Ottawa County residents selected the Top Dog in the photo contest being coordinated by the Treasurer's Office. Trinket was awarded the coveted title. In her entry, she barked, "I am a very happy girl who loves people. I am smart too! I also love to chase all of the birds and squirrels out of the yard." The pint sized pet, a Yorkshire Terrier, fetched 467 votes. Second through fifth place, the staff pick and random winner pictures will be shared on the County's social media channels.

Altogether there were 348 entries. In order to enter, photos had to be Ottawa County licensed dogs.The goal of the contest was to encourage residents to license their pets. The County did experience its "highest-one-day-sales" in licenses at 35 on April 18, however this spike is not enough to impact the overall licensing numbers. While there was not an overwhelming spike in the number of licenses sold in April, there was certainly plenty of publicity about the importance of dog licensing.

"Michigan Law requires that all dogs have a valid rabies shot issued by a veterinarian and a current county license. The health of our community and our pets is protected when all dogs are licensed, " said Brad Slagh, Ottawa County Treasurer.

Not only is having a license for your dog the law, it can save time, money and emotional distress. In the event that your dog is lost, the license will make the return of your pet much easier. When a stray is reported, an animal control officer will respond. Animals who are wearing their license tag will be returned quickly to you, their owner. Very few tax payer resources are used during this happy reunion. If the dog is unlicensed or does not wear its tag, the officer will bring the animal to the shelter. Not only are the owners of an unlicensed pet at risk for a citation, the shelter will require the owner to pay a redemption fee of $50-$190. Additional fees could be added to the redemption fee for boarding, vaccines and vet services. If an owner is not identified, the animal will be put up for adoption in just four days and is available for adoption in seven days even if the owner is identified. A three year dog license can cost as little as $25. Having your pet licensed and the tag displayed is the best for the owner, dog and the community.

Prices for animal licenses:

• Male/Female one year: $25
• Spayed/Neutered one Year: $10
• Male/Female three year: $70
• Spayed/Neutered three Year: $25
• Puppy 4-7 months of age: $10
• Service Dogs: No Charge

Dog licenses can be purchases from the online miOttawa Service Center, or in person   at, at the Ottawa County Treasurer’s office, at many township and city offices, or at participating veterinarian offices. See complete list. 

The fees collected from dog licensing help support the Harbor Humane Society, who serves as the County’s animal shelter, and Ottawa County Animal Control Officers.

Sponsors for the Top Dog Photo Content included East Holland Veterinary Clinic, Haborfront Hospital for Animals, Haven Animal Hospital, Lifetime Veterinary Care, Mapleview Animal Hospital, Chow Hound Pet Supplies, Meijer, Pet Supplies Plus and Tractor Supply Co.

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Media Contact: County Treasurer Brad Slagh 994-4501