The city’s cat and dog licensing now is managed by DocuPet, supporting an easier, effective process, and adding benefits for the city’s pet owners.
Licensing and proper identification are key methods for protecting the welfare of pets, and easing the burden on Animal Control teams and animal shelters that take in missing animals.
Battle Creek’s program with DocuPet will streamline licensing for all. Pet owners now can license their pets, and renew their pet licenses online at battlecreek.docupet.com, over the phone (toll-free) at 877-239-6072, by mail, or in person at City Hall, 10 N. Division St. (as it happens currently).
DocuPet’s membership program also offers several benefits, including the HomeSafe Lost Pet System, which has reunited hundreds of pets and owners.
Regardless of how pet owners purchase their licenses, DocuPet will mail all license tags, with packages arriving within 10 to 12 business days. This will include information on pet owner perks included in DocuPet membership. These will be updated regularly and will include discounts and special offers from Battle Creek pet retailers.
The city’s animal ordinance requires all dog and cat owners within city limits obtain annual pet licenses. All new pet license purchases and renewals will be valid for a full year from the date of purchase – a change from the current process.
The cost of pet licenses is $5 for pets that have been sterilized, and $20 for fertile dogs and cats.
Anyone who has previously licensed a pet with the city will receive a reminder from DocuPet – by mail – with information about how to renew their license and activate their online account, should they choose to do so.
Current pet licenses will remain valid until their expiration dates. License-holders can expect to receive renewal information in advance of that date, but will be able to activate the HomeSafe Lost Pet Service ahead of that date, if they wish.
“Running an effective licensing program is incredibly important for the welfare of pets,” said DocuPet CEO Grant Goodwin. “Keeping lost pets out of shelters and returning them to their parents is our priority at DocuPet – our entire team becomes involved. Over the last five years we have helped hundreds of lost pets get back home, but there is still the same joy in the office every time we get the news that we have another success story.
“We are really looking forward to helping pets in Battle Creek get home safe.”
The city’s Animal Control unit operates through the Battle Creek Police Department.
“We are pleased to announce the launch of DocuPet’s pet licensing program,” said Police Chief Jim Blocker. “This collaboration is a positive step in enhancing the city’s pet licensing process, supporting identification of pets, and rewarding responsible pet ownership in the city.”