Grundy County will start collecting cat registration fees. The decision was made after two ordinances in regards to the Animal Control Department were approved by Grundy County Board members on Nov. 16.

“The registrations are in conjunction with the rabies shot. So, it is ensuring that cats are receiving their rabies vaccines, as they should,” stated Animal Control Director, Melissa Lewis.

The funds received from the registrations are placed into the animal control fund to help provide daily care for the animals while they are at an animal control facility,in accordance with Illinois state law.

Due to the registration being in conjunction with the rabies vaccine, if an animal is given the vaccine outside of the county, the vet will provide a certificate of vaccination to Grundy, they will not provide registration, that will need to be completed at Grundy County Animal Control.

The registration fees for cats will be the same as it is for dogs. 1 year altered $15, 1 year unaltered $45, 3 years altered $25, and 3 years unaltered $60. The registration of cats in the coming year will be pivotal for Grundy County Animal Control as the 72% of all animals they have been taking in are cats. It should be noted that registartation does not apply to feral cats.

For those wishing to adopt a new member of the family for the holidays this year, cats cost $144 for female and $119 for males. Dogs are $189 for female and $169 for male. The cost of adoption includes, spayed/neutered, rabies vaccine, microchipped, de-wormed, distemper combo, and flea protection.

If anyone has any questions concerning this new ordinance, please contact Grundy County Animal Control at (815) 942-9214.