12/18/24 - Luna Fetches Top Dog Name in Ottawa County

Ottawa County releases top dog names for 2024.

It's the list you've been waiting fur all year:  the top dog names and breeds in Ottawa County during 2024 based upon the licenses issued by the Treasurer's Office.

The most pup-ular dog names in Ottawa County for 2024 were:

    Luna
    Bella
    Charlie
    Bailey
    Lucy
    Max
    Cooper
    Daisy
    Willow
    Ruby

Staying at number one was Luna, who also fetched the spot in 2023. Bella and Charlie inched up, while Daisy strayed from the second spot to the eighth.

Not surprisingly, retrievers remained leaders of the pack among Ottawa County dog owners. The German Shepherd placed among the top three breeds, but couldn't shake Labradors or Goldens. The top breeds for 2024 were:

    Labrador Retriever
    Golden Retriever
    German Shepherd
    Goldendoodle
    Mixed Breed
    Australian Shepherd
    Chihuahua
    Shih Tzu
    Pit Bull
    Poodle

Dog names and breeds are collected when residents license their pets. While the lists are fun to see, they are also an opportunity to remind residents to license their dogs at the Ottawa County Treasurer's Office.

Since the year 1919 Michigan law has required that dogs be licensed. Additionally, the law requires that to get a dog license, proof of a rabies vaccination by a veterinarian must be provided. Along with ensuring that pet owners keep rabies vaccinations up to date, dog licenses save time, money and emotional distress. If a dog is lost, the license will make the return of the pet simple. When a stray is picked-up by animal control (or a friendly neighbor), a dog wearing its license will be returned to its owner quickly for a tail-wagging, slobbery reunion. Unlicensed dogs risk being brought to an animal shelter. The owner may face redemption fees, boarding costs, fines, and vet bills. Pets who remain unidentified could be put up for adoption.

Dogs must be licensed at four months of age. In Ottawa County, dog licenses can be purchased at any time, but are issued to expire the month of the licensed dog's rabies vaccination. New licenses are available for either one or three years. Owners can purchase licenses through participating veterinarians, some units of government or online at DOGS.

More information about licensing dogs in Ottawa County is available online or by calling 616-994-4501.