PET LICENSING

California state law requires that all dogs over the age of four months be vaccinated against rabies, and be licensed through the local animal care and control agency. The County of Los Angeles requires the same provisions, and also requires rabies vaccination and licensing for cats.

Licensing is an important means of identification and can help you find your pet if it becomes lost. License revenues are a vital means of support to help the Department promote and protect human and animal safety.

Failure to license your pet may result in fines, penalties and/or citations. The Department employs over 50 license enforcement officers to ensure licensing compliance.

Animal licenses may be purchased by completing the license application form and mailing it, along with the license fee payment, proof of rabies vaccination and proof of sterilization, to the address on the application. You may purchase a designer tag by completing this additional form and submitting it with the license application. Designer tags contain your personal contact information on the reverse side of the official license and cost an additional $15. Designer tag sale proceeds are used to enhance animal care at our shelters.

Pet licenses are valid for one year. Existing licenses may be renewed online with a credit or debit card payment or by submitting a renewal by mail. If your pet’s license becomes lost, you may purchase a duplicate tag by submitting a check for $5 to our licensing office.

For further information please contact our Animal Licensing Division at:

County of Los Angeles

Department of Animal Care and Control

Animal Licensing Division

5898 Cherry Ave.

Long Beach, CA 90805

(562) 728-4706