Why Do I License?

The primary reason is to prevent the spreading of rabies. Rabies is a constant health threat, and rabies vaccinations are good for your pet’s health. Did you know that rabies is 100% fatal for humans if not treated properly? Animal licensing helps the City monitor compliance with local and state rabies vaccination laws.

Licensing also helps Animal Control identify family pets, should an animal become lost. The fees from licensing are used to care for animals at the City shelters and investigate complaints about stray animals, among other services. Other goals of animal licensing are to promote responsible pet ownership and to reduce the tragedies associated with lost pets and pet overpopulation.