Thursday, 02 September 2010
Dog Licensing PDF Print E-mail

Licensing of dogs is required by State law and County Ordinance, as part of the prevention of rabies. All dogs are required to be vaccinated against rabies and licensed at the age of four months. Although dog licensing is required by State Law, it is a benefit to you and your animal. Dog's wearing current tags are held at animal shelters at least ten days so their owners can reclaim them. Unlicensed dogs are held only five days and can be adopted to a new owner or destroyed if they are found to be unadoptable on the morning of the sixth day. Animal Control Officers attempt to reach the owner of a licensed animal by mail, telephone and a home visit, if necessary. The State of California mandates that revenue from dog licensing pay for emergency medical service of animals hit by cars, animal abuse, cruelty investigations and the rabies control program.

Dog License Inspections

A team of between 2 and 6 employees canvas designated areas of Riverside County to verify that all dogs within the neighborhood are properly licensed and vaccinated for rabies. Should a dog be found unlicensed, the owner has the opportunity to license their pet or receive a citation and license within 30 days.

Purchasing A Dog License

Licensing fees, including late fees, are collected at our Riverside, Coachella and Blythe locations from residents of the County. Fees can also be collected by officers in the field, or at the request of a resident by making an appointment with a License Inspector. Annual license renewals are mailed on a monthly basis.

 

Dog License Fees

Animal license jurisdiction: Unincorporated Riverside County and Cities listed below. For all other cities, contact your local Animal Control office for fees.

Unincorporated Riverside County, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage
Type of License 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year Late Fee *
Altered Dogs $8 $15 $19 $20
Unaltered Dogs $50 $100 $150 $20
Altered Dog, owned by Senior Citizen 60+ $6 $7 $8 $15
Make checks and/or money orders payable to: County of Riverside (for County Residents and Contract City Residents)

 

City of Riverside
Type of License 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year Late Fee *
Altered Dogs $16 $25 $35 $25
Unaltered Dogs $100 $175 $250 $25
Altered Dog, owned by Senior Citizen 60+ $10 $15 $20 $15
Make checks and/or money orders payable to: City of Riverside (for City of Riverside Residents

 



Additional Fees
Transfer of Ownership $6
Dangerous Animal Registration $100
Duplicate Tag $6

* Late fee is applied for each year license is delinquent



Dog License Application

 

Complete the application and submit proof or rabies vaccination along with payment. Proof of rabies vaccination must be attached to payment. The expiration date of the license may not exceed the expiration date of the rabies vaccination.

If applying for a multiyear license, you must show prior proof of vaccination. If you are unable to show prior proof of rabies vaccination, you will only be able to obtain a 1 year license.

If applying for a spay/neuter license, proof of surgery certificate must be attached unless previously verified by past spay/neuter license purchase.

If applying for senior citizen reduced fee, please send a valid copy of driver’s license with date of birth.