Ring in the New Year by getting a jump start on registering Fido and Fluffy.

Overland Park, KS - infoZine- Renewal notices for residents who registered a pet in 2007 were mailed Jan. 2. The renewal is for 2008.

The fee to license your pet is $10; $6 if it is spayed or neutered.

All dogs and cats within the city are required to be licensed. Last year, about 20,000 dogs and cats were registered with the city.

At the time of licensing, you must provide a certificate from your veterinarian, showing your pet has an unexpired rabies vaccination. The certificate must be included with your license fee since some veterinarians will no longer release your pet's information to the city.

License fees are due upon receipt; however, penalties are not assessed until July 1. Renewals received on or after July 1 will be charged a $20 penalty fee, per animal, in addition to the required license fee.

There are several ways to license your dog or cat:

• By mail: Mail in the information concerning your pet (pet name, sex, breed, and color), including a rabies vaccination certificate that is not expired and your check.
  
• Online: Complete the pet tag application via the city's Web site, www.opkansas.org, using the "ANI Number" on the renewal form. Rabies information can be provided by mail, email ()or fax (913/895-5009).
  
• In person: Bring the information to either of the following locations during office hours, which are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday:
  
  
  • Overland Park City Hall
    City Clerk's Office
    8500 Santa Fe Drive
    Overland Park, KS 66212
    
    
  • Sanders Justice Center
    Municipal Court
    12400 Foster
    Overland Park, KS 66211
  
  
  After hours, there is a drop box at the entrance to City Hall.
  
  
  For more information, call the Animal Hotline at 913/327-5PET, or the City Clerk's Office at 913/895-6150.