WARDNER — There’s a new sheriff in town, well… not really, but there’s a new dog registrar in town and his name is Rick Gilbert.

After the city of Wardner terminated their contract with the Kellogg Police Department in October 2019, they contracted with the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Department for their primary patrol and law enforcement needs.

One of those particular enforcement orders is surrounding the registration and licensing of the small community’s dog population.

Due to this proverbial changing of the guard and without a regularly staffed City Hall, Wardner officials sought the help of a volunteer to help the people of the Wardner ensure that city ordinance 249 is abided by.

That ordinance reads that, “All dogs must be vaccinated and licensed for the upcoming 12 month period.”

Beginning on May 1, Gilbert will be accepting registrations which include, registration and kennel fees as well as vaccination verifications.

Historically, residents of Wardner used to work through Kellogg, but with the change in law enforcement as well as the current stay-home order, Gilbert is giving folks plenty of safe options for handling their registrations.

“You will not be able to register your pet at Kellogg City Hall,” Gilbert said. “With the stay-home order in effect, personnel can be available to come to your home with needed information and possible on-site registration. Social distancing will be maintained. Please be on the lookout for fliers and postings in your area.”

The fees for registering a pup in Wardner run $5 per neutered or spayed animal, $10 for non-altered animals, as well as a $20 kennel fee.

For more information, Rick Gilbert can be contacted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Monday through Friday) at 208-512-2174 (call or text message) or via email casapelicanos@att.net.