PET LICENSING INFO

WHY DO DOGS HAVE TO BE LICENSED?: California law requires that all dogs over the age of four months be licensed as a rabies control measure. Making sure your dog has its current license attached to its collar also is your best insurance of having your dog returned to you in case he or she becomes lost or gets out of your yard. The dog license also lets us know if your pet is currently vaccinated against rabies. The money received from dog license fees helps the department continue to provide quality animal care and control services 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

MY DOG NEVER LEAVES MY PROPERTY; WHY DO I HAVE TO BUY A LICENSE?: California law requires that every dog four months of age or older must have a current license fastened to its collar. Even dogs that "never leave the house" or property have a way of getting out through accidentally opened gates or by digging under fences. Also, a natural disaster like an earthquake or fire may cause your pet to flee the safety of your property. Having a dog license on its collar will help reunite your lost pet with you.

DOG LICENSE FEES: License fees vary from city or area, please refer to the License Fee Schedule for the license for the appropriate license fee.

CAT LICENSE FEES: Cat licenses are required in all county unincorporated areas and several contract cities

Please refer to the license Fee schedule for the license fees and requirements. Although cat licenses are required only in certain areas, all cats deserve the protection a license tag provides.

PENALTY FEE: Penalty fees vary from city or area, please refer to the License Fee Schedule for the appropriate penalty fee.

SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT: Senior discounts vary from city or area, please check the License Fee Schedule.

DESIGNER PET I.D. TAGS: The department offers a pet identification tag upgrade for only $15. Specially made tags are available with your pet’s permanent license number on one side and your name, address and phone number on the other side. The tags are available in stainless steel and heavy duty plastic.

MY DOG’S LICENSE GOT LOST. HOW CAN I GET ANOTHER ONE, AND HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?: A duplicate license tag can be obtained by mailing a check for $5 to: Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control, 5898 Cherry Ave. Long Beach, CA 90805. Attn: Duplicate License Tag. Designer tags also are available, see Designer Pet I.D. Tag entry above.