Grand Bay‑Westfield launches new dog‑licensing system

Dog owners in Grand Bay‑Westfield now have access to a new licensing system designed to help keep pets safe.

The town has partnered with DocuPet, which it describes as North America’s leading pet registration and lost‑pet recovery service.

The town said each dog licence now includes a DocuPet tag with a unique identification code linked to an online pet profile.

The program also provides access to HomeSafe, a 24‑hour lost‑pet service that helps reunite missing animals with their owners.

The town said Lost Pet Reports can be shared instantly with Petco Love Lost, a large photo‑matching lost‑and‑found database, as well as DocuPet’s National Animal Shelter Network.

These tools help shelters identify pets using ID codes, microchip information and unique markings, which can speed up reunifications.

“Licensing is an important responsibility for dog owners, but it should also provide peace of mind,” Animal Control Officer Ann Savoy said.

She said the partnership makes the licensing process easier while giving owners added protection if their pet goes missing.

“Pets wearing licence tags are reunited with their families much faster than unlicensed pets,” DocuPet CEO Grant Goodwin said.

He added that the company is pleased to work with the town to bring the program to the community.

The town said DocuPet’s platform will also help manage licensing more efficiently, allowing staff to direct more resources toward animal care and community programs