You probably know Max and Abby. If statistics are any guide, you probably know quite a few of them.
According to newly released statistics kept by the Gastineau Humane Society, those were the top names for Juneau dogs in 2016.
Under an ordinance by the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly, dogs must be licensed in the city and borough on an annual basis. The humane society sends annual renewal notices to dog owners; if you’re a dog owner, you probably received one in late December.
Matthew Musslewhite, director of the humane society, said by phone that the CBJ’s 33,277 people registered 4,338 dogs in 2016. That’s one dog for every 7.7 people, a lower ratio than the American average. According to statistics published in 2012 by the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, there was one dog for every 4.5 Americans. That’s the highest proportion of any nation in the world.
The humane society’s registration statistics revealed the most popular names for male dogs in Juneau (in order) are Max, Charlie, Buddy, Jack (or Jax), and Kenai.
For female dogs, the most popular names (again, in order) are Abby, Bella, Molly, Luna, and Lucy.
Licensing costs between $20 and $45 per year and allows the CBJ’s animal control officers to return animals to their homes if they get loose.
