Louisville Metro Animal Services is giving pet owners whose licenses for their animals lapsed or were never purchased a break on late fees starting with the new year. Late fees for dog, cat and ferret licenses will be waived from from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28.The pet licensing is required by law, LMAS Senior Manager Margaret Brosko says."First and foremost it is a great way to ensure public safety because the license is really a confirmation that an animal has their rabies shot," she says. "As we all know, it’s devastating if any animal has rabies but it’s also a risk to public health, humans, as well."Licensing costs $9 for altered pets and $50 for unaltered pets, according to the city.Brosko says licenses are also used to reunite lost pets with their owners. Licensing late fees can range from $47.50 for pets who have been spayed or neutered to $195 for unaltered pets.