Got a cat? It's time to get a license

PAPERS, PLEASE-Snuggles the cat displays the pet license tag recently purchased by his owner, Sally Carpenter of Moorpark. The City of Moorpark Animal/Vector Control requires the owners of both dogs and cats to register their pets. Moorpark resident Sally Carpenter was surprised to learn that her furry buddy, Snuggles, needs a license to live here.

The big, 7-year-old black cat has never been tagged before because it wasn't required, said Carpenter, who recently moved to Moorpark. Now this kitty's papers are in order, but many of his feline cousins in town still don't have a clue.

"Few people know that cats must be licensed in Moorpark," said John Brand, the city's animal control supervisor.

Dog and cat owners must register their pets with the Ventura County Animal Regulation Department, which works together with the city on matters that relate to animals.

In July, the county animal regulations department will conduct a door-to-door campaign to ensure that pets have the necessary papers. Residents in Moorpark received advanced notice of the impending visits through the city's newsletter brochure sent through the mail to all residences.

Canvassers will also visit dog owners in Camarillo and Simi Valley, but not in Thousand Oaks or Oxnard because those cities operate their own animal regulations services.

Cat licenses are required in Moorpark and Oxnard but not in other areas of the county, said Brand, adding the feline licenses are available everywhere in the county even though they aren't mandatory in most areas.

Tags help both the pet and the owner, Brand said. "There are many benefits to licensing your cats and dogs, both to the owners and the public."

When a pet has an identification tag they are entered into the system, so if the animal ends up in a shelter, it's easier to reunite them with their owner, Brand said, adding even indoor pets get lost.

The cat license requirement has been on the books since 1993. About 400 to 500 felines currently have identification in Moorpark but there are thousands of cats in the city, according to Brand.

The city has about 4,000 dog licenses on record and the canine ordinance has been in effect since the city was incorporated in 1984.

Licenses cost $20 for spayed and neutered dogs and cats and $50 for unaltered animals. The licenses are renewed annually.

Obtaining a license protects alsoboth the animals and the families they live with, Brand said. Because rabies is widespread and prevalent in the region, pets must be vaccinated for rabies before they can get a permit.

Temporary licenses are available for pets that don't have the required shots.

"Even indoor cats and dogs may become exposed to rabies, which is endemic in Ventura County," Brand said. "Bats, skunks and many other critters that coexist with you and your pets in this area may transmit rabies to your pet." Bats can fly and get in and out of places without being noticed, according to Brand.

Aside from properties in agricultural zones, most households in Moorpark are allowed to have up to four animals. Birds, iguanas, and other similar creatures don't have to be licensed.

In order to own wild and exotic animals, people must obtain a special permit, Brand said.

Although rabies is a danger, the number one killer of cats in Moorpark is coyotes, according to an animal control worker. Owners are encouraged to keep their cats indoors and not allow pets to prowl outdoors for the animal's safety.