Press Release- Ottawa County Seeking Top Dog & Master-Pet Lookalikes

March 31, 2017 | Media Contact: Brad Slagh | Ottawa County Treasurer | 616-994-4501

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Ottawa County Contest: Top Dog & Master-Pet Lookalikes

Ottawa County is seeking the 2017 Top Dog plus the best master-pet lookalike in its new Twinning category.

Ottawa County residents are invited to enter a pet photo contest for a chance to win bragging rights, plus gift cards and prizes! The public will be invited to choose the “Top Dog” plus the best "Twinning" master and canine. The top three vote-getters in each category will win plus a staff pick and a random entry will all receive gift cards and prizes. Local vets and retailers have donated well over $500 in prizes to share among winning contestants. Enter online at miOttawa.org from April 1 through April 30th. Voting will open on May 1st and continue through the 15th. The winners will be announced on May 16th. There is no fee to enter the contest but there are some rules and entries must be photos of Ottawa County licensed dogs. If your dog is unlicensed or ‘fetching’ with an expired license, now is a good time order your license. Once you have your license number, you can enter the contest and be in the running for some great prizes.

"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 your lost pet is picked-up by an animal control officer, your dog wearing its license tag will be returned quickly to you, their owner. Very few taxpayer 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. 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 purchased from the online miOttawa Service Center, or in person 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 to support the Harbor Humane Society, who serves as the County’s animal shelter, and Ottawa County Animal Control Officers.

Sponsors for the Contest include Harborfront Hospital for Animals, Haven Animal Hospital, Lifetime Veterinary Care, Harbor Humane Society, Chow Hound Pet Supplies-Holland-Grand Haven, Pet Supplies Plus-Holland Tractor Supply Company-Holland and Mapleview Animal Hospital.

 Image Courtesy of Ottawa County. Publication allowed for editorial purposes.