
Getting a Sacramento dog license is a straightforward process that requires some basic information and a few simple steps. The City of Sacramento requires all dogs over four months old to be licensed.
To apply for a dog license, you'll need to provide proof of current rabies vaccination, which is required by the City of Sacramento. This can be done by submitting a copy of your dog's vaccination certificate.
You can obtain a dog license application from the Sacramento County Animal Shelter or online through the Sacramento County website. The application will ask for your dog's information, including its name, breed, sex, and age.
The cost of a dog license in Sacramento is $50 for a spayed or neutered dog and $100 for an unspayed or unneutered dog.
Application and Registration
To register your pet in Sacramento, you'll need to gather some essential documents. A photocopy of your pet's current rabies vaccination certificate is a must-have. You'll also need documental proof that your pet was spayed and neutered, as well as proof that you live within the city limits of Sacramento.
You can register your pet in person, by mail, or online, but be sure to bring all the necessary documents with you. The county or city you're registering your pet in will have specific requirements, so it's essential to enter the correct information.
To complete your application, you'll need to pay the license processing fee. This will allow the authorities to file your application on your behalf. Once you've submitted your application, you'll receive a license that will expire on the anniversary date of your pet's rabies vaccination.
Here's a summary of the documents you'll need to register your pet:
- A photocopy of your pet's current rabies vaccination certificate
- Documental proof your pet was spayed and neutered
- Proof you live within the city limits of Sacramento
Application and Issuance
To apply for a dog license tag, you'll need to submit an application that includes the age, sex, color, and breed of the animal, as well as your address.
The application should be accompanied by a valid certificate of rabies vaccination issued by a licensed veterinarian, or a certificate stating that vaccination would endanger the animal's health.
You'll also need to pay the licensing fee, which will result in the issuance of a license tag by the Police Department.
If you're planning to license a pet in Sacramento, be aware that dogs and cats must also be microchipped, spayed or neutered, and licensed.
Where to Get a Pet
If you need to get a pet license in Sacramento, you have several options to consider. You can obtain a pet license through the local county service center, which is often the quickest and most convenient option.
Your nearest animal shelter can also handle pet licensing for you, and they accept all forms of payment. This is a great option if you're short on time or prefer to support local animal welfare organizations.
To get a pet license online, you can visit your county service center's website and fill out the necessary forms. This is a good option if you prefer to do things digitally and don't mind waiting for the application to be processed.
If you're not a fan of online forms or prefer to do things the old-fashioned way, you can also mail a check to Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation. Just be sure to allow enough time for the application to be processed.
Finally, you can also get a pet license through any local veterinarian's office. This is a convenient option if you're already taking your pet to the vet for regular check-ups and shots.
Here are the options for getting a pet license in Sacramento:
- Your nearest animal shelter
- Online through your county service center
- Through the mail by sending a check to Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation
- Any local veterinarian's office
Ways to Get a Pet
You can get a pet license in Sacramento through various channels. Most people head to the local county service center, but there are other options available.
One option is to visit your nearest animal shelter, which can handle the licensing process and accept all forms of payment.
You can also go online to your county service center to complete the forms digitally. Alternatively, you can mail a check and relevant documents to Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation.
In addition to these options, you can also visit any local veterinarian's office to obtain a pet license.
How Old Do I Need to Be to License It

Licensing your pet requires some basic information about their age, sex, color, and breed, so you'll need to know how old they need to be.
You'll need to license your pet when they're over 4 months old.
The city of Sacramento takes licensing very seriously, so make sure to get your pet licensed on time to avoid any fines.
A $300 fine was imposed on those who didn't license their pets in the past, so it's worth getting it done correctly.
Fees and Exemptions
The fee for a Sacramento dog license is set by the City Council, and it can vary depending on whether your dog is spayed or neutered. If your dog has been spayed or neutered, the license fee is capped at half the cost of an unaltered animal.
You can choose from one, two, or three-year licenses, and the City Council may establish a penalty fee for late registration. Delinquency and penalty fees will be added to the regular fee and collected by the City at the time of delinquent registration.
Some dogs are exempt from obtaining a license, including service dogs, dogs owned by public agencies, and dogs in licensed kennels or catteries. If you're a City resident with a dog already licensed by another public agency, you'll need to obtain a Sacramento license before the other license expires.
Rabies Vaccination Expiration Date Impacting License
If your pet's rabies vaccination expires, their license will also expire on the same date.
This is because California State law requires that a pet license may not be valid at any time a pet's rabies vaccination is expired.
You'll need to upload a new rabies vaccination document to your pet's profile after they receive their booster shots.
This ensures that your pet's license remains valid and up-to-date.
Fees and Fines
The fees for pet licenses can be a bit confusing, but I've got the scoop.
You'll need to pay a license fee, which can be for one, two, or three years, depending on the resolution passed by the City Council.
The good news is that if you've had your pet spayed or neutered, you'll pay half the regular fee.
To get the discounted rate, you'll need to upload proof of spay/neuter to your online account, which will be reviewed by the Front Street Animal Shelter.
If you can't upload the documents, you can visit the shelter in person at 2127 Front St in Sacramento, CA.
If you don't pay the license fee on time, it will become delinquent, and you'll have to pay a penalty fee on top of the regular fee.
The City Council sets the delinquency and penalty fees, so it's a good idea to check with them for the current rates.
6.06.040 Exemptions
Some dogs are exempt from obtaining a license, which is a relief for their owners.
Dogs owned and used by the City or other public agencies in their official business are exempt from licensing. These include Police and law enforcement dogs.
Dogs within a licensed kennel or cattery are also exempt from licensing.
If you're a City resident and your dog is already properly licensed by another public agency, you can bring it into the City without getting a new license right away. However, you'll need to get a license from the City before the other agency's license expires.
City of Fees

If you live in Sacramento, you'll need to pay for pet licenses for your dogs and cats. The cost varies depending on the term of the license and whether your pet is spayed or neutered.
The fees for dog licenses are $24 for a 1-year spayed/neutered license, $38 for a 2-year spayed/neutered license, and $61 for a 3-year spayed/neutered license.
Cat licenses cost $18 for a 1-year spayed/neutered license, $29 for a 2-year spayed/neutered license, and $46 for a 3-year spayed/neutered license.
You can also get a replacement City of Sacramento tag for $10, or get one for free when you license your pet.
Late fees apply if you don't renew your license on time. If you're 62 or older, you might qualify for a discounted rate.
Here's a breakdown of the fees:
Registration Process
To register your dog in Sacramento, you'll need to provide proof of current rabies vaccination.
The vaccination must have been administered by a licensed veterinarian within the past 36 months.
You'll also need to provide a valid form of identification for yourself, such as a driver's license or state ID.
The registration fee is $25 for spayed or neutered dogs and $50 for intact dogs.
You can submit your application and payment online, by mail, or in person at the Sacramento County Animal Shelter.
Registration is valid for one year from the date of issuance.
License Renewal and Replacement
You can renew your pet license in Sacramento through an automatic bill pay withdrawal system, but be careful if you're short of funds and forgot you set it up.
Renewing your pet license on an annual basis can save you money upfront, but you'll need to provide updated proof of vaccination and pay the accompanying fee.
Your pet license will expire on the anniversary date of their rabies vaccination, so mark that date in your calendar.
If you need a new licensing tag after renewing your pet license, it will cost you a nominal fee.
Renewing your pet license won't get you a new tag, so if you need one, be prepared to pay the replacement fee.
If you're licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, you'll need to do it in person, but future renewals can be done online once their status is verified.
Consequences and Fines
If you fail to license your dog in Sacramento, you'll face a fine of up to $500.
The City of Sacramento requires that all dogs be licensed within 30 days of reaching four months of age or within 30 days of moving into the city.
You'll also be required to pay a late fee in addition to the standard licensing fee, which can add up quickly.
Can My Rights Be Revoked?
If your pet license is revoked, you'll have to re-apply for a new one. You'll need to provide evidence documents, such as a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate and proof that your pet has been spayed/neutered (if applicable).
A formal hearing is required before the city of Sacramento can revoke your pet license. This means you'll have the opportunity to defend your pet's license and provide any necessary documentation.
What Is the Fine for Non-Licensing

The fine for not licensing a pet is $300. If you're caught without a license, be prepared to pay this hefty fee.
You can avoid this fine by making sure your pet is licensed on time. Licensing your pet is an important responsibility, and it's worth doing to avoid any potential consequences.
If you're having trouble getting your pet licensed, you can take it to the Front Street Animal Shelter in person. The address is 2127 Front St Sacramento CA 95818.
Cost and Payment
The cost of a Sacramento dog license is $25 for spayed/neutered dogs and $60 for intact dogs.
To pay for your dog's license, you can use a credit card, check, or money order.
You can also pay in person at the Sacramento County Animal Shelter or by mail.
The license fee is non-refundable, so be sure to pay before the deadline to avoid any penalties.
If you're unable to pay the full amount, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the county.
How to Register with DoNotPay
Registering with DoNotPay is a breeze. It's fast, with no need to visit websites or local shelters to set up your pet license.
You can forget about filling out online forms, as DoNotPay's AI service takes care of everything for you.
Millions of people have successfully used DoNotPay to obtain their pet licenses, and you can rely on the same results.
To get started, simply sign up with DoNotPay and let their AI service do the work for you.
Here are the benefits of using DoNotPay to obtain your pet license:
- Fast results, with no need to visit websites or local shelters
- No need to fill out online forms, as DoNotPay does everything for you
- Successful results, with millions of people using the service to obtain their pet licenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs required to be licensed in California?
Yes, California law requires dogs to be licensed, starting with a rabies vaccination and license registration. To learn more about registering a service dog in San Diego, click here.
What happens if you don't register your dog in California?
In California, failing to register your dog can result in a fine. A dog license must be renewed annually and displayed on the dog at all times.
How many dogs can you legally own in Sacramento County?
In Sacramento County, you can legally own up to four mature dogs on one property without a permit. More than four dogs may require a use permit for a kennel.
Sources
- https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Galt/html/Galt06/Galt0606.html
- https://donotpay.com/learn/sacramento-pet-license-2/
- https://donotpay.com/learn/sacramento-pet-license/
- https://cityofsacramento.docupet.com/en_US/licensing
- https://www.rosevillecaliforniajoys.com/pet-friendly-guide-to-help-you-care-for-your-pet-in-roseville-ca/
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