June 16—TRAVERSE CITY — Once a year, the Grand Traverse County Treasurer’s office announces the top dog names and breeds based on data from dog license sales.
In 2023, a total of 4,672 dog licenses were sold locally, mainly through veterinary offices. Licenses are also available at the government center in downtown Traverse City. Area kennels purchased a small percentage of that total number.
The “Top 10” dog names in 2023 were (in order of popularity): Luna, Bella, Lucy, Daisy, Charlie, Cooper, Max, Buddy, Sadie and Maggie.
Six of those names — Luna, Bella, Lucy, Daisy, Charlie and Max — also make the list of the most popular dog names in the country, according to a May 2024 report from U.S. News & World Report.
It’s worth noting that dog names have also played a role in American history. President Harry Truman once said, “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.” In response, President Clinton named his chocolate-colored Labrador retriever from the White House “Buddy.”
The most popular dog breeds in the province in 2023 were: Labrador, golden retriever, German shepherd, pit bull, goldendoodle, poodle, Australian shepherd, Chihuahua, dachshund and shih-tzu.
“This is one of the more fun things we do,” said Patti Leisure, who works in the treasurer’s office. “It’s interesting to find out how people name their dogs, which can be quite unusual.
“Every now and then dog owners come here with their (pets) on a leash to pay for a permit. We love to see them!”
County Treasurer Sarah Gum has a dog named “Oliver.” When Gum was sworn in as the new treasurer in late January, a member of the three-person selection committee asked her if she had a dog and if it was properly licensed.
After some laughter in the courtroom, Gum responded, “Yes, we have one dog and it is officially licensed by the province.”
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
A 1919 state law states, “It shall be unlawful for any person to own any dog six months or more of age unless the dog is licensed.” County dog licenses provide essential information about the property and verify that the dog is currently vaccinated against rabies.
Dog owners who fail to meet the permit requirement may be found guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $10-$100, or up to three months in jail, or both, according to state law MCL 287.286. And that’s nothing to rave about.
Cats are not required to be licensed in Grand Traverse County, a disparity that has raised many eyebrows — and perhaps whiskers — over the years. “However, we strongly recommend that cats be vaccinated against rabies virus and other common diseases,” the province’s website said.
WHERE THE MONEY GOES
In 2023, the county collected $121,711 from dog license sales. Nearly all of that money goes to support the county’s animal control program, Leasure said.
Current licensing fees depend on the dog’s age and sterilization status, as well as the length of the license. A current rabies certificate is required for each dog at the time of licensing.
County officials updated the dog permit fees in January 2017.
The fee for puppies now 8 months old or younger is $8 regardless of sterilization status. For a one-year license, without a puppy, the fee is $30 for unsterilized pets and $15 if sterilized. A three-year license costs $60 for non-sterilized pets and $30 for those that have been sterilized.
A sterilization certificate is required to take advantage of the discount.
ADOPTION NAME
Naomi Pobuda is communications and marketing manager at the Cherryland Humane Society. She said dogs brought in from the community sometimes arrive at the facility without names or details.
“We use our creative energy to come up with dog names that seem to fit the individual animal,” Pobuda said. “Of course, people who adopt our dogs often want to use a new name, and that’s fine.”
The humane society’s mission is to “provide a safe haven for the animals entrusted to us as we strive to find them responsible, loving and permanent homes while promoting animal welfare.” When a dog is adopted, the organization ensures that it is vaccinated and spayed or neutered so that they can obtain a required dog license and the applicable discount.
The humane society is located at 1750 Ahlberg Rd. in Garfield Township off Hammond Road.
For more information about adopting a dog, including the application process and photos of available animals, visit https://cherrylandhumane.org/. Volunteers and donations are always welcome, Pobuda said.
