Miami-Dade Animal Services (Animal Services) is replacing the traditional metal dog license tags with new cutting-edge digital license/identification tags that can help lost pets get back home more quickly.
In addition to a license tag number, the new digital tags are equipped with a unique QR code (Quick Response Code) that when scanned will access a web page with the pet’s information. The added QR code increases the ability immediately and safely access a pet’s encrypted, critical data, including multiple emergency contact phone numbers, medications, license and rabies tag information, microchip number, vaccinations, pet medical insurance status, and much more.
How it works: The digital license tags are “powered by” Pet Hub.com, whose system links the physical ID tag to an animal’s online profile that can be accessed through an encrypted connection by anyone with a mobile device, whether a smartphone or standard cellular phone. That profile can be updated free-of-charge at PetHub.com to allow the owner to list emergency contact information, including that of anyone who helps care for the animal, such as spouses, pet sitters, veterinarians, and other family and friends. Optional upgrades include “found pet” alerts, GPS notifications, and a way to broadcast a missing pet’s profile to local shelters and businesses (think “Amber alert,” but for pets).
“The new digital license tags will help us in fulfilling our mission to reunite lost pets with their humans faster and, as a result, reduce the number of animals coming in to the shelter,” said Alex Muñoz Director of Miami-Dade Animal Services.” “We are excited to bring these new, durable, modern and effective pet tags into our community
“Over $2 billion is spent annually by shelters in the U.S. to provide food, critical care, and a safe bed to lost animals,” said Tom Arnold, Founder of PetHub.com. “Our goal is to get a lost dog home before it can become injured while on the streets, taken in by strangers thinking the dog is homeless, or enter a shelter.”
In Miami-Dade County both license tags and rabies vaccines are required by law for all dogs over 4 months of age. License tags are issued by Miami-Dade County Animal Services and must be renewed every year by the anniversary of the month and date of the dog’s most recent rabies vaccine.
The new license tags will begin to replace the metal tags on October 1, 2017 at all veterinary offices that offer the tags with the rabies vaccine and at Miami-Dade Animal Services Pet Adoption and Protection Center, 3599 NW 79 Avenue. The basic license tag fees are as follows:
- $30 for sterilized dogs or intact dogs 4-12 months
- $55 for intact dogs (not sterilized)
- $90 for 3-year license for sterilized
- $165 3-year license for dogs not sterilized
- $15 Low income for intact (not sterilized)
- $5 for low income sterilized
For more information, click here or call 3-1-1.
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