Change vs. Risk

When it comes to public sector decision-making, change is often mistaken for risk. The instinct is understandable; government leaders are stewards of taxpayer dollars, and the safest move often seems to be sticking with what’s already in place.

But here’s the reality: change and risk are not the same thing.

Let’s break it down:

• ·Change is about doing something differently. It may require some adjustment and can feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s not inherently negative. In fact, as conditions evolve, both your team and your constituents expect change.

• Risk is about uncertainty, exposure, and the potential for loss. It involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating danger. It’s also about anticipating what might go wrong, or right, and planning accordingly.

“The biggest risk is not innovating. If you don’t innovate, you will fail.” – Marc Benioff, Co-CEO, Salesforce

In today’s municipal pet licensing landscape, resisting change may be the riskiest decision of all, especially as long-standing vendors reduce support, shift focus, or fail to innovate. If your city or county relies on outdated technology, you're already exposed to more operational and financial risk than you may realize. The opportunity costs of inaction can be just as damaging, if not more.

Ask yourself:

• How often does your team complain about your current platform?

• Does your platform create additional work for your team or residents because it’s difficult to use?

• Have you been promised upgrades or enhancements that were never delivered?

If the answer to any of these is yes, then you owe it to yourself, and your stakeholders, to explore a better path forward.

Why a Change to BarkPass Reduces Risk for Cities and Counties

BarkPass was built with modern technology designed specifically for the unique needs of pet licensing programs—and for the past five years, it’s delivered. Here's how we reduce, not increase, your exposure to risk:

✅ Reliable Technology, Built for Ease & Growth: BarkPass isn’t retrofitting a decade-old system or repackaging outdated tools. It’s the most intuitive, modern platform in the space, built with the flexibility and security public agencies require, and continuously improved with direct client input.

✅ Direct, Expert Support: At BarkPass, there are no call center queues or ticketing black holes. You’ll work directly with our expert team, from executives to front-line staff. From implementation and onboarding to ongoing success, you receive fast, personalized “white glove” service rooted in deep domain expertise.

✅ Future-Proofing Your Licensing Program: While legacy providers stand still or shift resources elsewhere, BarkPass is doubling down. We invest in the product every month, enhancing user experience, expanding public engagement tools, and even innovating in areas like dog park access management, offering new ways to serve residents and generate revenue.

Pet Licensing Needs to Evolve

Residents expect more:

• Digital convenience & mobile-first design

• Strong protection of their personal data

• Confidence that license fees contribute to the public good

Each year municipalities delay modernization, they lose revenue, efficiency, and engagement. Choosing BarkPass means choosing a partner who understands government timelines, provides unmatched support, and builds tools that work today and into the future.

Final Thought: It's Time to Redefine "Safe"

In 2025, sticking with the status quo is no longer the safest move, it’s likely the most fragile. BarkPass helps cities and counties move forward with confidence: less complexity, less risk, and better outcomes for staff, shelters, and pet owners.

Let’s redefine what “safe” looks like and make “change” the tool that protects your programs, not the thing that threatens them.

Ready to talk? Let’s explore how BarkPass can help you modernize with confidence.