We have to register ours here in FL too. The vet sends it in when you get your rabies vaccine but if you're getting the 3 year vaccine it's your responsibility for the 2 year gap. We're also only allowed 3 dogs. The weird thing is you can have unlimited cats.
I have never heard of random checks though- that is really scary! I hope everything works out.
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"If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men." — St. Francis of Assisi, 1181-1226