1. If your dog goes missing, having your pet licensed drastically improves the chances of getting your dog back. Your license proves ownership and assists animals control and shelters to quickly identify your dog and get them back to you safely. Dogs that are currently licensed tend to be kept in the shelter longer than unlicensed dogs.

2. Licensing lets people know that your dog is up to date on its rabies vaccinations. A dog cannot be licensed unless it is properly vaccinated. Animal Control or a Good Samaritan will be much more likely to want to handle and care for your missing pup if they know that it is healthy and without rabies.

3. License fees support the efforts of many local animal shelters. Typically, the annual fee that you pay to license your dog helps to keep shelters running and supports the work of your local animal control. By paying to properly ID your dog, you are helping to feed and house stray dogs found on the streets within your city. The number of dog licenses issued within a city helps city officials calculate budgets for dog parks, animal services, veterinary services, etc.

4. Dog licenses are updated yearly which gives a dog owner the opportunity to update their information to ensure their pet is returned to them in case they are lost.

5. It's the law. In most states, it's mandatory that dog owners have their pets licensed. If you get caught without a license, which can and does happen, you will face a fine. Dogs must have a renewed license each year, which must be displayed on them at all times. The cost of the license is far less than the penalty for being caught without one. If a city official finds your dog without a license, you face paying a fee of up to $250. In addition, some cities consider owning an unlicensed dog to be a Class IV misdemeanor.