Questions about Mission PAWsible from an Animinal Owner in The Bahamas
By Jessica Robertson
Nassau, The Bahamas
Let me start by saying I’m grateful we as a country are finally taking long overdue steps to begin addressing this situation. Penalties are now in place… let’s hope there’s some actual enforcement because we know how we generally lack in that area.
But none of the news stories nor this post by the Ministry provide key information that can lead to compliance -
My biggest question is what’s the purpose of getting a dog licensed other than putting $11 into the general fund? How does my filling out a form for my dog and putting a numbered tag on their collars actually solve the problems we have with stray dogs, dogs not properly secured in homes, dogs not being properly cared for?
Then the basics:
Where does a dog owner go to register their dog?
What information is required?
This post at least lets us know it’s $11… do you take cash or is it credit card only?
What are the hours?
Given that there is this push for compliance are there evening or Saturday sessions since many Bahamians can’t get away from work during the week to run personal errands?
Are you doing pop ups across the island to accommodate owners who don’t have cars and can’t easily get to your office (wherever that actually is)
Is the license actually valid for a year from purchase or do these expire at the end of the calendar year?
And now….
It’s 2026. Why is this not an online process?Mygateway has worked perfectly well for so many other ministries, departments and processes.
Or Why not set it up so that licensing is done through veterinary clinics so we know these dogs actually exist and are being cared for.
Also, We have a whole new innovation ministry…. Surely they can knock together a better system.
August 31, 2026 - Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas: Today marked the official launch of Mission PAWsible; a national initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture & Marine Resources focused on responsible pet ownership, public education, compliance, enforcement, animal welfare and safer communities.
A key part of Phase One is a 30-day amnesty period from September 1 through September 30, 2026. During this period, dog owners are being encouraged to become compliant, with dog registration/licensing available free of charge. After the amnesty period ends, the licensing fee will be $11, and citations will begin to be issued for breaches of the law, including offences relating to unlicensed dogs, roaming dogs, lack of identification, unleashed dogs in public places and other violations.
The press conference brought together senior Ministry officials, Animal Control, veterinary professionals and key animal-welfare partners, including:
Hon. Jomo Campbell, Minister of Agriculture & Marine Resources; Janice Miller, Permanent Secretary; Evette Evans, Under Secretary; Julianna Braynen, Deputy Permanent Secretary; Dr. Jason Sands, Director of Agriculture; Dr. Suzette Lyn, Senior Veterinary Officer; Pearline Jones, Officer in Charge of Animal Control / Police Reserve K9 Unit; Kevin Laing, Senior Animal Control Officer; Lissa McCombe, BAARK; Percy Grant, Bahamas Humane Society; Kim Aranha, President, Bahamas Humane Society; Dr. Peter Bizzell, Veterinary Medical Board; Dr. Daniel Katz, Director, Bahamas Humane Society; and Dr. Somatie Inderdeo, Director of Veterinary Services, BAHFSA.
Mission PAWsible will continue to expand through public education, school and community engagement, veterinary and pet-supply partnerships, and stronger enforcement measures designed to encourage compliance and responsible animal ownership.
