North Hempstead has come up with a new approach to taking a head count of dogs living in the town.

Officials say that under a previous administration, they had to go door to door, counting the number of canines in each household because too few of them were licensed.

A dog license tells people that your dog is not a stray, and that it is up to date with its rabies shots.

Right now, only 5,000 dogs are licensed in the town, but there is a human population of 226,000.

Town officials say that instead of doing a "dog census," they will conduct more of an educational campaign online and through upcoming events. They hope that this will encourage residents to get a dog license and rabies shots for their pets.

Many residents who bring their dogs to Christopher Morley Park told News Long Island that educating the public is the best way to go.

In order to get a dog license, residents must fill out an application. It costs anywhere from $2.50 for senior citizens to $15.