The Woodbury City Council voted Tuesday to eliminate the city's dog licensing program effective January 1, 2026, citing declining compliance and changing pet ownership practices.

The council unanimously approved an ordinance amendment that removes the requirement for residents to license their dogs while maintaining the rabies vaccination requirement for all dogs over six months old. The decision comes after years of declining participation in the licensing program, with data showing a clear downward trend despite the city's growing population.

Community Relations Specialist Ashley Bennar told the council that modern pet ownership has evolved significantly since the program began approximately 50 years ago. Increased use of microchipping, social media platforms for reuniting lost pets, and law enforcement's access to microchip scanners have made traditional licensing less relevant. The city also cited data privacy concerns, as license information is considered public data with few exceptions.

The program generated approximately $20,000 in annual revenue but required an estimated 219 to 439 staff hours per two-year licensing cycle. City staff indicated the time savings would allow focus on other municipal initiatives. Current dog licenses will be allowed to expire on December 31, 2025, with no renewals required for 2026.

The council also approved two major development projects during the meeting. A conditional use permit was granted for Huntington National Bank to construct a new 5,200-square-foot financial institution at 525 Commons Drive, replacing a vacant building. The project includes a pedestrian trail connection along Commons Drive. Additionally, the council approved Champions Hall, a 238,000-square-foot commercial recreation facility at 11435 Hudson Road that will feature basketball courts, soccer fields, and lacrosse training areas in a repurposed warehouse building.