Licensing & Registering Your DOg
What is Licensing & Registering My Dog?
In California, it is required by law that all dogs are licensed and registered within the county which they live. In order to obtain a dog license, your dog must first receive a Rabies vaccination. This vaccination is given by a licensed veterinarian who also completes a Rabies certificate which acts as proof that the vaccine was administered.
Why is licensing & Registering Important?
There are several reasons as to why keeping your dog's license & registration current is important.
1) If your dog were to bite someone, a current license & registration proves without a doubt that his/her Rabies vaccine is current. Without a current Rabies vaccination, a dog who has bitten a person or another animal can be required to undergo duplicate vaccination, examinations, quarantine, and the owner can be fined on top of the costs incurred by all of the previous mentioned punishments.
2) A current license & registration can help get your dog home in the event he/she becomes lost. Your dog's registration information contains your personal information as well as your dog's description and if he/she ever ends up in the shelter, this information can be used to help reunite him/her with you.
3) A current license & registration is required by law and anyone caught with unicensed/unregistered dog could potentially face fines.
4) Licensing your dog enables your county to ensure that domestic animals are being vaccinated for Rabies which is a fatal disease contagious to all mammals. Rabies vaccinations keep the disease at bay and it's important to make sure that all domestic animals are properly vaccinated against it.
Who Issues This License?
Your county's animal services department oversees licensing & registration of dogs. This can be a an SPCA, a shelter or 'pound' and will most likely be a government operated facility. If you are unsure of who or where your county's animal services department is located, your veterinarian's office should be able to provide that information to you.
How Does It Work?
1) Your dog is vaccinated for Rabies
2) You are issued a Rabies certificate from your veterinarian (if you have adopted a dog older than 4 months, you should receive this certificate from the organization you adopted your dog from.)
3) You submit your Rabies certificate along with your license fee to your county's animal services department (either by mail or in person.)
4) Animal Services will issue your dog a metal tag
Is There A Fee For Licensing My Dog?
Yes. Every county charges a fee for licensing/registering your dog and each county may charge a different fee. Usually, a discounted fee is offered for animals who have been spayed/neutered.
How Often Do I Have To Pay For A Dog License?
Every time your license & registration expires, you will be required to pay your county's fees again in order to make it current again. Usually, this is every 1-3 years.
Will I Be Notified When The License Has Expired?
Yes.You should receive a notice in the mail when your dog's license is nearing expiration. You should also receive reminders from your veterinarian's office when your dog's Rabies vaccination is due again. The license is contingent upon a current Rabies vaccination and both will most likely be due for renewal at the same time.
How Old Does My Dog Have To Be To Get Licensed?
A puppy cannot be vaccinated for Rabies until 4 months of age. Most counties allow for 30 days after vaccination for you to license & register your dog.
How Long Does The License Last?
Most counties will issue your dog a single metal tag which will last for the duration of your dog's life. Some counties will send you a new tag every time your dog license is renewed. Your dog's license & registration renewal wil lbe due every 1-3 years and will expire around the same time as your dog's Rabies vaccination.
My Dog Has Had A Rabies Shot, So How Do I Get A License?
At the time that your dog was vaccinated, you should have been issued a Rabies certificate. This certificate will have your contact information, your dog's description, and the veterinarian's information on it. It will also contain information about the vaccination such as the brand and serial number. Once you have identified your dog's Rabies certificate you are ready to obtain a license. You can visit your county's animal services department in person or you can visit their website in order to find out where to send your dog's Rabies certificate and license fee. Your veterinarian can also assist you in locating the proper place to visit or mail this information.
Should My Dog Wear The Tag They Send Me?
Yes. Your dog should wear the tag issued by your county on his/her collar at all times. This tag serves as proof that your dog is vaccinated for Rabies and licensed, as well as adds protection in the event that your dog becomes lost.
What If My Vet Gave Me A Rabies Tag? Isn't This All I Need?
No. Some veterinary offices issue their own tags after they vaccinate an animal for Rabies. These tags are not the same as anything issued by a county department and have no legal bearing. This tag from your veterinary office simply says that your veterinarian has administered a Rabies vaccine to your dog. It may have a number engraved on the tag as well as your veterinarian's phone number. If your dog becomes lost, whoever finds him/her can call your vet's office and report the number engraved on the tag. Your vet can then look up your contact information in his office's system in order to help reunite you with your lost dog.
I Adopted My Dog, So How Do I Get Him/Her Licensed?
If your newly adopted dog is over the age of 4 months, then most likely he/she has been vaccinated for Rabies. You should have received a Rabies certificate from the organization from which you adopted your dog/puppy. Most likely, your dog's Rabies certificate will not have your contact information on it but instead will have the rescue organizations information, because of this you will have to license & register your new dog/puppy in person by visiting your county's animal services department. In addition to your dog's Rabies certificate, you will need to take your dog's spay/neuter certficate and proof of adoption along with you. If you believe that you are missing any of those documents, you should contact the rescue organization immediately.
What If I Know My Dog Was Vaccinated But I Never Got A Rabies Certificate From My Vet?
You should contact your veterinarian's office immediately. You Must have a Rabies certificate in order to license your dog.
What If I Want To Get My Dog Spayed/Neutered Before I License Him/Her?
After being vaccinated, you have 30 days to license & register your dog. If you are planning on having your dog spayed/neutered before you license him/her, it must be completed within thise 30 days. Be sure to get a spay/neuter certificate from your veterinarian after your dog's surgery to use as proof of sterilization. Withou this proof, you may be forced to pay for a full priced license.
Who Should I Contact For More Information About Licensing In My County?
Your veterinarian can help you find your county's animal services department and may be able to assist you with questions regarding licensing & registering your dog. However, contacting animal services directly will probably provide you with the most information.