
To get your dog licensed in Montgomery County, you'll need to obtain a license from the county's animal control office. The license is required for all dogs over the age of 4 months.
The cost of a dog license in Montgomery County varies depending on the dog's spay/neuter status. If your dog is spayed or neutered, the license fee is $10. If your dog is not spayed or neutered, the license fee is $20.
To license your dog, you'll need to provide proof of rabies vaccination and a valid ID. You can obtain a license at the Montgomery County animal control office or online through their website.
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Getting a License
To obtain a County License for your pet, you'll need to follow the specific requirements for your area. If you live in Rockville City or Gaithersburg City, you should contact the city directly for pet licensing information.
For Montgomery County residents, there are three ways to obtain a pet license. You can come in person with your notice to the shelter if you've received a notice to comply from an Animal Services Officer.
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Your pet's rabies vaccination must be valid for at least two months to purchase a pet license. County licenses are based on vaccine dates, so a 1-year license can be from 2-12 months depending on the date your pet was vaccinated.
You can also obtain a license by visiting our facility in person. To do so, bring a copy of your pet's rabies certificate and a method of payment.
How to Get a License
To get a license, you'll need to follow the specific steps for your location. If you live in Rockville City or Gaithersburg City, you'll need to contact the city directly for pet licensing information.
For Montgomery County residents, there are three ways to obtain a pet license. You can come in person with your notice to the shelter if you've received a notice to comply from an Animal Services Officer.
Your pet's rabies vaccination must be valid for at least two months to purchase a pet license. County licenses are based on vaccine dates, so make sure to check the date your pet was vaccinated.
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You can purchase a 1-year license, but the validity period will depend on the date your pet was vaccinated. If your pet's rabies vaccine expires within two months, you'll need to have it re-vaccinated before getting a license.
A kennel license can only be obtained from the Auditor's Office at the County Administration Building. This license costs $100 for 2024, which includes 5 tags.
Additional kennel tags cost $1 each. To get a kennel license, you'll also need to have or purchase a Vendor's License for selling breeding stock or a current hunting license.
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License Types and Fees
If you're getting a dog license in Montgomery County, you'll need to know the different types and fees involved. There are two main categories: spayed or neutered dogs and unaltered dogs.
For a one-year license, the cost is $60 for spayed or neutered dogs and $72 for unaltered dogs. If you're looking for a three-year license, the cost is $200 for spayed or neutered dogs and $240 for unaltered dogs.
Here's a quick reference table to help you keep track of the costs:
Remember, getting a license for your dog is not only a legal requirement, but it also helps ensure your pet's safe return if it gets lost.
Three-Year Cost

The three-year cost of a dog license in Montgomery County is a significant investment. For a spayed or neutered dog, you can expect to pay $260, which breaks down to $60 per year for the first year, $200 for the second year, and $200 for the third year.
If you have an unaltered dog, the cost is higher, at $312 over three years. This translates to $72 for the first year, $240 for the second year, and $240 for the third year.
Unaltered Fee Exclusions
If you have a dog that's 9 months old or less, you won't need to pay the unaltered dog fee. This exemption is automatically applied, so no proof is required.
Dogs that are advanced in years or have a medical condition that prevents them from being spayed or neutered may also be exempt from the fee. To qualify, you'll need a veterinarian's certification, unless you've already provided one previously.
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If you're using your dog for breeding or showing, you can also avoid the fee. However, you will need to provide an AKC breed registry number to verify your dog's status.
Similarly, if you're using your dog for hunting, you'll need to provide your 2023-2024 hunting license number to qualify for the exemption.
Here's a quick summary of the exclusions:
- 9 months old or less (no proof required)
- Advanced in years or has a medical condition (veterinarian certification required)
- Used for breeding or show (AKC breed registry number required)
- Used for hunting (owner's 2023-2024 hunting license number required)
Kennel Licenses
To obtain a kennel license, you'll need to head to the County Administration Building, specifically to the Auditor's Office at 451 W Third Street.
A kennel license is required for anyone who plans to sell breeding stock or has a current hunting license. It's a one-time cost of $100 for 2024, which includes 5 tags.
If you need more tags, you can purchase them for $1 each, making it a cost-effective option for larger kennels or those with multiple animals.
License Information
To obtain a Montgomery County dog license, you must have your pet's rabies vaccination valid for at least two months. This means your pet's vaccine date must be at least 60 days old.
If you're a resident of Rockville City or Gaithersburg City, you'll need to contact their respective municipalities for pet licensing information. For Rockville City, call 240-314-8937, and for Gaithersburg City, call 301-258-6343.
You can obtain a pet license in person at the shelter if you've received a notice to comply from an Animal Services Officer. To do this, bring the notice with you to the shelter.
A 1-year license can be purchased for a pet that was vaccinated between 2-12 months ago. If your pet's rabies vaccine is about to expire, you'll need to have it re-vaccinated before purchasing a license.
You can get a lifetime license if your pet is microchipped. Unfortunately, this service is not available at the Glenside office, but you can get the necessary forms to send in to the Treasurer's office.
All pets three months or older must be licensed. If you live in Montgomery County, you can purchase a license at the Glenside office or online through the PA Dog Licenses website.
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Dog Licenses
To get a dog license in Montgomery County, you'll need to have your pet's rabies vaccination valid for at least two months. This means you can't purchase a license if your pet's vaccination is about to expire.
There are several ways to obtain a dog license, including in-person at the shelter, online, or by mailing an application. If you've received a notice to comply from an Animal Services Officer, you must come in person with your notice to the shelter to obtain your pet license.
A dog license costs $20 for an animal that has been spayed or neutered, and $24 for an unaltered dog. The proceeds from license sales go to the Animal Resource Center to help care for stray and lost animals until they can be adopted.
If you find a lost dog with a license on its collar, you can register the dog's license number on the PALostDogs.com website or report a lost pet with a picture. This greatly increases the chances of the dog being found and reunited with its owner.
Here are the different ways to purchase a dog license in Montgomery County:
- Online at www.mcohio.org/dogs
- By mailing an application, which can be downloaded at www.mcohio.org/dogs
- In-person at 20 stores and agencies in the county, as well as the county administration building and the Animal Resource Center.
If you've just moved into Montgomery County, you should get a license within 30 days of moving here. It's a quick process, and cheaper than some other states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you need for a pet license in Maryland?
To obtain a pet license in Maryland, you'll need proof of current rabies vaccination and sterilization, as well as your pet's microchip information. Licensing requirements may vary, so check with your local authorities for more information.
Can I get a dog license online in PA?
Yes, you can purchase a dog license online in Pennsylvania using a credit/debit card or e-check. Online purchases are processed immediately, with a proof of license available for printing and the license/tag mailed the next business day.
What is the fine for not having a dog license in Ohio?
In Ohio, failing to register a dog results in a fine of $25-$75 for the first offense. This unclassified misdemeanor penalty applies to dog owners, keepers, and harborers who fail to obtain a license.
Sources
- https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/oas/licensing.html
- https://www.mcohio.org/637/Dog-Licenses
- https://www.whio.com/news/local/check-out-montgomery-county-mobile-outpost-get-your-2020-dog-license/57CM45Dqe2h8lAtu4I3vUN/
- https://www.rockcreekrocks.com/montgomery-county-introduces-online-pet-licensing/
- https://www.rauanimalhospital.com/services/dog-licenses
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