OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Dogs are natural born explorers and tend to venture off without owners realizing it, but there is a way to keep your furry friend safe.
In Ottumwa, any dog over the age of six months has to be licensed through the city.
Once your dog has been vacinnated, you must bring proof of the shot to the Ottumwa Police Department or City Hall.
When approved, you will receive a metal dog tag to put on your dog's collar, making your dog officially licensed.
A dog license costs $5 and is good for one year.
Officer Jeff Williams of the Ottumwa Police Department calls it 'cheap insurance' because $5 is a small price to pay to keep your dog safe.
The purpose of the law is to return dogs that are running loose on the street back to its rightful owner.
"If we pick up a dog without identification on it, we hold them for seven days," said Williams. "After the fifth day, the dog can be put up for adoption and a citizen off the street can inquire and pay the fees and that dog could become theirs."
If your dog comes up missing, you should contact the Ottumwa Police Department or the Heartland Humane Society immediately.
Whenever a dog with a tag is found in the street, the owner will be contacted.
You can prevent you dog from getting loose by securely tying it up on a chain or leash and by never letting your dog run free outside of a fence.
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