by Keeley Moree

In an effort to address the rising population of stray and roaming animals, the City of Liberal has adopted new animal control ordinances requiring the annual registration of cats and dogs by January 31st each year. The online portal to register pets is now open.

Animal registration, a common practice for municipal governments, was identified by the public as one solution to address Liberal’s stray and roaming pet population. This registration requirement applies to cats and dogs over the age of six months living within City limits.

Registration can be completed online at https://liberal-animal-shelter.mybarkpass.com/ or in person at the Liberal Animal Shelter. The registration fee for spayed or neutered animals will be $10, while unaltered animal registration fees cost $25. Replacements for lost or damaged tags will be $5 each. After January 31st, 2025, a $5 late fee will be charged at registration, while an additional fee of $10 will be charged for unregistered pets that are picked up by the shelter.

A copy or photo of medical records showing proof of spay/neuter status and current proof of rabies vaccination will be required to complete registration, in addition to a photo of each pet. Photos can be uploaded online during the registration process. Once a registration is submitted and accepted, pet owners will receive a metallic tag in the mail that must be attached to their pet’s collar or harness anytime the animal is outside of it’s secured home or enclosed yard.

Pet registration processes will assist animal control staff with reuniting lost pets with their owners, holding owners accountable for allowing their pets to roam, and verifying proper rabies vaccinations to protect the health of animals and residents in the community.

In addition to registration, the Liberal Animal Shelter has worked to reduce the stray animal population through other proactive efforts, including highly-successful low-cost spay and neuter clinics funded by grants and continuing to grow connections with rescue centers. From January to November 2024, 228 animals received low-cost spay/neuter services and 334 animals were connected with animal rescues for adoption. Adoption sponsorships provided by local businesses have also encouraged the adoption of animals in need of homes this year.