It can mean the difference in reuniting with a lost pet.

Meet Dexter! Dexter is an adorable Shih Tzu that is full of energy and cute as can be, but with one problem. Dexter likes to escape out the front door any time he gets half a chance.

Fortunately, Dexter has responsible owners that renew his pet license and registration every year.

A National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association in 2011-2012 revealed that over 115 million (62%) households in the United States own a variety of different pets, with more than 85 million being dogs and cats. If this holds true for our community, there may be over 100,000 dogs and cats in Arlington households.

The ASPCA also reports that about 80% of pets are spayed or neutered, a procedure that costs less than raising puppies or kittens over the period of a year.

Arlington Animal Services (AAS) provides an identification tag with each animal license issued so that if your beloved pet ever becomes lost like Dexter, it can be readily linked back to you. Your dog or cat is required to be licensed annually along with proof of valid rabies vaccination. With a current city license, an impounded pet is entitled to one "get out free" pass per calendar year.