
To get a dog license in San Bernardino County, you'll need to follow a few simple steps. The county requires all dogs over four months old to be licensed, so it's essential to get your pup licensed as soon as possible.
You can obtain a license from the San Bernardino County Animal Services department, either in person or by mail. The license must be renewed annually, and the fee is $23 for spayed or neutered dogs and $50 for unaltered dogs.
The licensing process also requires proof of rabies vaccination, which must be administered by a licensed veterinarian. Make sure to keep your vaccination records up to date to avoid any issues.
Getting a License
To get a dog license in San Bernardino County, you'll need to provide your pet's current rabies vaccination certificate, which must be effective through the entire licensing period.
You can purchase your dog license online at animalcare-sbcounty.docupet.com or by visiting Highland City Hall (if you're a Highland resident).
To mail in your license renewal, simply go online to animalcare-sbcounty.docupet.com, download the registration form, and complete it for submission.
If you're a resident of the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County or the cities of Big Bear Lake and Yucaipa, you can purchase your dog license online at the provided website.
To qualify for a discounted license, you may need to provide proof of altered dog, senior citizen, or permanently disabled citizen status.
Here are the required documents for a dog license:
- Your pet’s current rabies vaccination certificate (must be effective through entire licensing period).
- Proof for altered dog, senior citizen, permanently disabled citizen.
License Information
Licenses in San Bernardino County expire at the end of the selected term unless your pet's rabies vaccination expiration date falls prior to the end of the term.
You'll need a valid rabies proof to purchase a pet license, but a 60 day temporary license may be issued if you don't have it at the time of licensing.
A valid rabies proof is required to purchase a pet license, and proof of spay/neuter is needed to receive the discounted altered rates.
License by Mail

To renew your license by mail, you can download your registration form online at animalcare-sbcounty.docupet.com.
If you're planning to mail in your license renewal, you'll need to visit the website mentioned above to get started.
Just head to animalcare-sbcounty.docupet.com and follow the prompts to download and complete your registration form.
License Fees
The cost of a dog license in San Bernardino County varies depending on the type of dog and the owner's status. For a dog that hasn't been spayed or neutered, the fee is $120 for a year.
To qualify for a lower fee, you'll need to provide proof that your dog is spayed or neutered, which reduces the cost to $36. If you're a senior citizen (65 or older), permanently disabled, or a veteran, you're eligible for an even lower fee of $24.
Some dogs may require a medical waiver due to health reasons, which can be obtained for a fee of $30. In this case, you'll need to provide written documentation from your veterinarian.
A late fee of $25 will be assessed if you don't purchase or renew your dog's license within 30 days of notice.
Here's a breakdown of the license fees:
Yucaipa Fees
In the City of Yucaipa, pet licenses are required for all dogs and must be renewed every year prior to the expiration date.
You'll receive reminders about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email to help you stay on track.
A replacement City of Yucaipa tag is available for a $5 fee, or you can get one at no additional charge when you license your pet.
Licenses expire exactly 365 days from the start date of the license, so be sure to mark your calendar accordingly.
Where to Find Pet Licensing Ordinance Info
To find information about the pet licensing ordinance, visit the County Bylaw page.
The County of San Bernardino requires pet licenses for all dogs living in the area. Licenses must be renewed every year prior to the expiration date.
You'll receive reminders about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.
Jurisdictions for Animal Care Licensing
San Bernardino County Animal Care provides licensing services for specific areas.
If you live in unincorporated San Bernardino County, you can purchase a dog license online at animalcare-sbcounty.docupet.com.
Big Bear Lake and Yucaipa residents can also license their dogs online through the same website.
However, if you're a Highland resident, you'll need to get a license from Highland City Hall instead.
Here are the areas where San Bernardino County Animal Care provides licensing services:
- Unincorporated San Bernardino County
- Big Bear Lake
- Yucaipa
License Requirements
To get a dog license in San Bernardino County, you'll need to meet the following requirements.
The license fee is $20 for altered dogs and $50 for unaltered dogs.
You'll need to provide proof of rabies vaccination to obtain a dog license.
The license is valid for one year from the date of issue.
You can obtain a dog license from the San Bernardino County Department of Animal Control or by mail.
License Expiration and Fines
If you live in San Bernardino County, you should be aware that your dog's license is only valid for a year from the date of issue. The license must be renewed annually to avoid any fines.
Fines can be steep, with a penalty of up to $20 per month for each month the license is expired.
When Does My Pet's License Expire?
Your pet's license expires at the end of the license term selected, unless their current rabies vaccination expiration date falls prior to the end of the term.
If your pet's rabies vaccination is expired, their license cannot be valid at any time, so it's essential to renew it before the expiration date.
If you renew your pet's license prior to the upcoming expiration date, their new license will start the day after expiration, not on the date of purchase.
What Is the Fine for Unlicensed Pets?
The fine for not licensing a pet is a serious matter. The fine for failing to license a pet is $100 for the first offense. If you're caught twice, the fine jumps to $200. But don't worry, there's a chance to start fresh after a year. The fine starts over after a 12-month period, so if you've paid your first fine and it's been a year, you're back to square one with a new $100 fine for the third offense, which is $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs are allowed per household in San Bernardino county?
In San Bernardino County, the number of dogs allowed per household varies depending on property zoning and lot size, but generally, 2 dogs are permitted in residential areas. Contact Land Use Services to determine your specific zoning and pet limits.
What happens if you don't register your dog in California?
In California, failing to register your dog can result in a fine. You must renew your dog's license annually and display it on them at all times.
Sources
- https://animalcare.sbcounty.gov/doglicense/
- https://animalcare-sbcounty.docupet.com/en_US/licensing
- https://www.uslegalforms.com/form-library/264233-dog-license-application-county-of-san-bernardino-sbcounty
- https://www.uslegalforms.com/form-library/55706-ca-dog-license-application-san-bernardino-county
- https://www.ivhsspca.org/licensing/
Featured Images: pexels.com