Unaltered pet registration fee increase for New Hanover Co. starts in July

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - Pet owners in New Hanover County will be charged a higher registration price for unaltered animals starting in July.

According to the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Unit, starting on July 1, owners of dogs, cats, and ferrets over one year who are not spayed or neutered will be required to pay an increased registration fee of $60 per year.

The cost for unaltered pets over one year to be registered in the county was previously $20. The fee for altered pets will remain the same at $10 per year.

All dogs, cats, and ferrets that are four months or older are required to be vaccinated for rabies and registered with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Services Unit. Animals must be registered within 30 days of receiving their current rabies vaccine.

Failure to register your pet could result in a $100 fine, and failure to vaccinate your pet for rabies could result in a $200 fine.

Pets can be registered online here.

The requirements apply to all New Hanover County residents except for Wrightsville Beach.