Pet licensing fees waived in Portage la Prairie until March 31.

Portage la Prairie is waiving annual dog and cat licensing fees through March 31; owners must provide proof of a valid rabies vaccination to receive a tag.

Portage la Prairie is offering a fee-waiver period that allows residents to register their dogs and cats at no cost until March 31. Under the municipal animal control bylaw, pets older than six months must be licensed each year. City staff say tags make it easier to reunite escaped animals with their owners and help ensure rabies compliance. Once the promotional period ends, the regular licensing fees will apply. Key details: - The waiver period runs through March 31 and lets residents register dogs and cats for free. - The bylaw requires all pets over six months to be licensed annually. - After March 31, the fee for a spayed or neutered pet is $25 and for an unaltered animal is $60. - Owners must provide proof of a valid rabies vaccination from a licensed veterinarian to obtain a license tag. - License tags must be securely fastened to a collar; failure to keep a current license or removing a tag without lawful excuse is an offence and may result in an offence notice, a required vaccination within 14 days, fines, or potential seizure. Summary: The fee-waiver period is presented as a way to improve animal safety and bolster rabies vaccination compliance by encouraging registration. Fees will resume after March 31 at the stated rates and enforcement under the municipal bylaw remains in effect.