The McDonough County Board approved a hike in the annual cat registration fee from $10 to $15, aligning it with the fee for dog tags.
The new fees include a $45 option for a three-year license for sterilized pets, and $90 for unsterilized animals. Registration tags correspond with rabies vaccination requirements.
Board member Ken Durkin said revenue from pet registrations has declined, dropping from the usual $90,000–$100,000 range last year. “That’s what funds the animal shelter,” he said, noting additional support from the city of Macomb.
Durkin attributed the revenue drop to fewer registered pets—down from over 5,000 to 4,800 in Macomb—and said the county plans to enforce fee collection more strictly after a period of leniency since 2020.
“This statute is consistent with surrounding counties,” Durkin added.
Board member Dana Walker opposed the increase, arguing it could further reduce compliance, which he estimates is already below 50 percent. Durkin countered, “Non-compliance will happen regardless of a $5 increase. It’s your responsibility as a pet owner to follow the rules.”
The measure passed 14-4, with Walker, Jarad Royer, Clayton Cook, and Jack Lowderman voting against it.
The treasurer’s office will notify pet owners of the new fees by letter.
Penalty fees for not registering a pet can be as high as $100 per offense.
