Somerville residents can now easily license their dogs directly through their smart phone.

Somerville residents will now be able to license their dogs online and on their mobile device thanks to a new partnership with Cambridge startup GoPetie.

In addition to licensing dogs in person at City Hall, residents now also have the option to either license dogs through the city’s website at www.somervillema.gov/DogLicensing or through the free GoPetie mobile app. Pet owners can add details in the app including a physical description and photos of their dogs to make it easier for Animal Control to identify and reunite lost pets.

Although licensing your dog is required by law, the number of dog licenses issued nationwide is low; on average, only about 40 percent of dogs are licensed, with some communities seeing licensing rates in the single digits.

“GoPetie offers our residents much more than just a dog license. It creates the chance to build a social network for pet owners,” said City Clerk John Long. “We believe in GoPetie’s approach to next-generation pet licensing and community building.”

To license your dog, download the GoPetie app via your smartphone, visit www.somervillema.gov/DogLicensing or visit the City Clerk’s Office at Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Ave.

About GoPetie

GoPetie is a Cambridge-based company that has developed a comprehensive pet licensing software and app. The company hopes to create a vibrant and inclusive digital pet community where neighbors can help reunite lost pets and license dogs.