STOW – Getting a dog license may soon be an easier process in the town of North Harmony.

New systems that are being implemented would allow for the process to be available online, and would allow greater ease of access to licensing information.

Town Clerk Stephanie Gibbs noted at the most recent North Harmony Town Board meeting that the Chautauqua County Humane Society recently approached all of the town clerks within the county. Humane society officials detailed to the municipalities that they wish to start utilizing an app called Docupet, said Gibbs. This app will allow for an easier and quicker process when it comes to applying for, and receiving, dog licenses.

Gibbs also mentioned the benefits of the app for the town’s dog control offer John Stow. Stow will have the ability to access information within the app while on duty, according to Gibbs. Stow will be able to see registered addresses, as well as get updates on missing dog alerts, stated Gibbs. This will allow Stow to operate more efficiently, and will prevent him from having to take found dogs all the way to the Humane Society if they are licensed. Gibbs also noted that if a dog is taken to the Humane Society without a license, then owners can register the dog on Docupet and have the animal immediately released to them. This is far quicker than the current process that would require residents to go to the town offices on a business day to license the dog before release, said Gibbs. This will not only ease the process for residents, but will also relieve the need for the Humane Society to hold a dog when space is already so limited.

Gibbs noted that the process to implement the app will be roughly $5,000 for the town. However, the Humane Society has offered to fully cover these costs, according to Gibbs. The Humane Society will also fully implement the existing licensing information into the new system, with Gibbs only needing to send over the current information on file.

Councilwoman Louise Ortman questioned if a majority of the town clerks presented with this idea seemed willing to tie into this new system. Ortman stated that in order for this new system to be successful, it seems that a majority of nearby towns would need to cooperate. Gibbs said that many of the clerks present at the meeting were already introducing motions to their boards to adopt it, even with many questions and emotions still surrounding the system. The board members adopted a motion at the meeting to allow Gibbs to move forward with the implementation process. For any more information contact 716-789-3445.