Why Get a Dog License?

If your dog is ever missing, a license tag provides a quick and accurate way of notifying you if someone else finds your pet.  It also provides proof that your dog has been vaccinated against rabies, as required by law.

Once your dog has been assigned a license, the number and the information about your dog is permanently filed in our computer records.   Your dog keeps the same license tag number for life.

The owner of every dog over the age of four months is required by law to ensure that his or her pet is currently vaccinated against rabies. You must purchase a license:

• Within thirty (30) days after reaching the age of four (4) months, or
• Within thirty (30) days of acquiring the dog, or
• Within thirty (30) days after entering the jurisdiction.

Dog License Fees:

* Spayed or Neutered Dog is $31.00 for a one year license.

* Non-Altered Dog is $62.00 for a one year license.

* Spayed or Neutered Dog is $76.00 for a three year license.

* Non-Altered Dog is $172.00 for a three year license. 

Click below:

MENDOCINO COUNTY ANIMAL CARE SERVICES Dog License Application PDF

Important Licensing Info

• Failure to obtain a license, or to renew the license by the expiration date will result in a late fee.
• Rabies vaccination of dogs (a prerequisite for licensing) has been highly effective as an animal and public health measure, and is especially important in areas like ours where the potential threat of exposure to rabies from wildlife is a significant concern.  The primary rabies vaccination is good for one year. The second vaccination is given one year later.  Subsequent (or booster) vaccinations are valid for three years.
• A dog’s license tag must be securely fastened to the dog’s collar or harness and worn by the dog at all times.  Dog licensing is the best way to ensure your pet is identifiable, if found, and is also a visible means of ensuring that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies.
• Dog license fees are not refundable.
• Dog licenses assist in the identification of injured or sick animals which allows additional funds being spent by Animal Care Services during an emergency situation.  If Animal Care Services knows there is an owner for the licensed or micro-chipped injured or sick animal it may be the difference between life or death of your pet animal.  Unfortunately only a small percentage of the yearly budget is allocated for situations involving injured or sick animals.  Animal Care Services assist approximately (100) injured or sick animals each year.  Some of these injured or sick animals come into the Animal Shelter with dog licenses and/or microchips and some don't.  If your pet animal is licensed or micro-chipped and impounded at the Animal Shelter, Animal Care Services will immediately attempt to contact you to make you aware of your injured or sick animal.  Please license & microchip your pet animals to avoid possible euthanasia in an emergency situation. 

• Make check & money orders payable to: Animal Care Services - 298 Plant Road, Ukiah, CA 95482