These three brass canine licenses were donated to the Botetourt County Historical Society by Fincastle resident Harold Robertson (1933-1997) before his death. The top one reads “Buchanan 93 Dog Check” and the bottom two are dated 1919 for male dogs, Botetourt County, VA. Over a hundred years ago it was required that dogs be inoculated against rabies and their owners purchase a metal tag to be worn on their collars. The first rabies vaccine for dogs was invented in 1885 by Louis Pasteur. Ensuring dogs have a current rabies shot is still required since rabies is a public health measure. Today, similar dog tags can be purchased from the Botetourt Treasurer’s Office at Greenfield from January 1 to January 31. A one year tag is $5, a two-year tag is $10 and a three-year tag is $15. Botetourt County also offers a lifetime license. Virginia law says dogs four months and older are required to wear the metal tag on their collars if running or roaming at large. New county residents and new dog owners may buy permits throughout the year. Honoring our past and shaping the future.
~ Botetourt County Museum of History & Culture
