City and WAIF report licensing trends: platform upgrade and outreach planned

Oak Harbor finance manager Chaz Webster and a WAIF representative presented the animal-licensing annual report at the May 12 workshop, reviewing compliance, revenue and enforcement trends since Waif took over licensing services.

Presenters said the city recorded 243 licensed animals so far in 2026 with a forecasted year-end total near 450; 2025 was the first full year of contract data and showed a modest increase in license counts but a 6% decrease in licensing revenue due to a higher share of spayed/neutered animals that qualify for the lower fee tier ($10 fixed v. $40 non-fixed). Late-fee revenue and citations declined in 2025 compared with 2024, a trend staff attributed to better compliance and process improvements.

Cinnamon Hudgens noted the city plans to adopt a new vendor platform to improve user experience and automated renewals; council members suggested reestablishing partnerships with local veterinary offices for outreach. Staff said renewal reminders via the new platform should reduce administrative burden and increase compliance; current compliance rates were described as improving but remain below national averages.

Council discussion focused on outreach channels and whether veterinarian offices could again help sell or promote licenses; staff said earlier partnerships with vets stopped for administrative reasons but that the new platform will include renewal and reminder features.

Ending: Staff will continue vendor transition planning and outreach to veterinarians and will report back on compliance metrics after the platform goes live.