City of Sacramento pet licensing
Why license?
DO YOU LIVE IN THE CITY LIMITS OR THE COUNTY LIMITS?
The Front Street Animal Shelter issues pet licenses for residents who reside within the city limits of Sacramento ONLY. If you reside in the county limits of Sacramento, please license your pet with the BRADSHAW ANIMAL SHELTER.
- If your street sign is green-colored, you are in the city limits of Sacramento.
- If your street sign is white-colored, you are in the county limits of Sacramento.
You may also verify your address through the SACRAMENTO COUNTY PARCEL VIEWER. After you enter your house number and street name, check the Property Information box on the left side and look under "Jurisdiction."
- If it shows "City of Sacramento," then you are in the city limits of Sacramento.
- If it shows "Unincorporated Area of Sacramento County," then you are in the county limits of Sacramento.
In accordance with state and local laws, pet licenses are mandatory in the City of Sacramento. In fact, licenses are mandatory in nearly every community across North America. Why? Because licenses help keep pets and the communities they live in safe. DocuPet was brought on board to simplify and improve pet licensing to benefit not only pet owners like you, but the entire community. DocuPet makes it easy for Front Street Animal Shelter to deliver a successful pet licensing program with a streamlined software and management solution that makes licensing a breeze for pet owners and administrators alike.
What will you need?
Licensing your pet will require specific information and proof. Having these items at the ready allows for the fastest experience. You have the option to upload a document as a saved or scanned file, or you may take a photo directly from your device on our upload page.
Payment
We securely process payment online and accept all major credit and debit cards as forms of payment.
Documents
Spay/Neuter proof
This document is required to qualify for the discounted rate and is only needed once and will be saved to your pet’s profile upon upload for future renewals. This proof declaring that your pet has been spayed or neutered may be in the form of a statement or receipt from the veterinarian, shelter, or clinic that performed the procedure.
Rabies vaccination proof
This document serves as formal proof that your pet has received a California-approved rabies vaccination. This document may be in the form of a Rabies Vaccination Certificate that has been signed by a veterinarian or certified professional. It is the law that pets must be up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations, so new documents will need to be uploaded to your pets profile as they receive their booster shots.
How to license
Online
The fastest and easiest way to license or renew is right here. You’ll create a profile for your pet, upload any necessary documents, process your license registration, and receive purchase confirmations via email. Payment can be made using a credit card or Visa/Mastercard debit card. Each year, you just need to log in to your existing account and renew - it’s super easy!
License a pet for the first time
I've never licensed a pet with the City of Sacramento before.
License nowIn-person
In person licensing is available at the following location(s) however it's important to know you will still receive your tag in the mail:
Don't forget to check hours of operation, appointment policies, and accepted payment methods prior to heading out.
Front Street Animal Shelter - City of Sacramento
2127 Front Street Sacramento, CA 95818
If you opt to license via snail mail - keep in mind processing your registration will take a lot longer!
Make sure you complete the below form in full and that it is free of any errors otherwise your registration may not be successfully processed. The fine print is there for a reason so keep an eye out for accepted payment methods, who the check should be made out to, where it should be mailed, and any required supporting documentation.
Pet license form (English)
Formulario de licencia para mascotas (Español)
Phone
If you're unable to complete your pet's license online, you can contact our Customer Care team for assistance. Please note that licenses are primarily designed to be completed online, and phone support is intended for troubleshooting or special circumstances.
You must have up-to-date spay/neuter or rabies documentation on file. We can accept credit cards and Visa/Mastercard debit cards for payment.
DocuPet Customer Care: 1-877-239-6072
Hours of Operation:Monday-Saturday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM PST (excluding holidays)Sunday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM PST
License fees & details
Pet licenses are required for all dogs and cats living in the City of Sacramento. Licenses are available for 1, 2 and 3 year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.
| Dog Licenses | 1 year | 2 year | 3 year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spayed/Neutered Fee | $50.00 | $60.00 | $75.00 |
| Spayed/Neutered Seniors Fee | $20.00 | $25.00 | $35.00 |
| Intact Fee | $125.00 | $175.00 | $300.00 |
| Cat Licenses | 1 year | 2 year | 3 year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spayed/Neutered Fee | $30.00 | $35.00 | $40.00 |
| Spayed/Neutered Seniors Fee | $20.00 | $25.00 | $35.00 |
| Intact Fee | $150.00 | $175.00 | $250.00 |
- A replacement tag is available for a $15.00 fee.
- All licenses expire the day they were purchased, between one and three years in the future, depending on the term of the license purchased, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
- A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
- A spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.
- Late fees will apply 30-days following license expiration. A late fee of $20.00 will apply for spayed / neutered pets. A late fee of $80.00 will apply for unaltered pets.
- A citation of $300 will be issued 90-days post license expiration.
- Licenses are required for all dogs and cats over four months of age.
- Pet owners must be 62 or older to qualify for senior citizen rates.
- When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
- If your pet is spayed or neutered AND you participate in either the Lifeline (AT&T) program, PG&E and SMUD Assistance programs, or the City Utility Rate Assistance Program you may receive a complimentary license for one (1) year. You must apply directly with Front Street Animal Shelter.
Frequently asked questions
HELP DESK
Still have a question that you have not been able to answer?
Visit our Help Desk for more information: https://docupetinc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us
LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS
Why does my pet's license expire on their rabies vaccination expiration date?
As per California State law, a pet license may not be valid at anytime a pet's rabies vaccination is expired.
How can I license my pets?
Please ensure you have all the required documentation in order to licence your pet. If you have all the records you need to proceed you can license your pet online, or in person at Front Street Animal Shelter located at 2127 Front St Sacramento CA 95818.
If this is your first time licensing a pet in the City of Sacramento, click here to learn more.
If you already have an account with us or have ever licensed a pet with Front Street Animal Shelter click here to learn more.
What is the refund policy on licenses?
Refunds may be granted if your pet has passed away, provided the request is submitted within 30 days of the license purchase date. After this period, we’re unfortunately unable to process a refund.
When can I renew my pet's license?
You may renew your pet's license within 60 days of your pet's current license expiration date. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new license will start the day after expiration, not on the date of purchase.
Where can I license in person?
You may license in person at Front Street Animal Shelter located at 2127 Front St Sacramento CA 95818.
When does my pet's temporary license expire?
Temporary licenses expire after 30 days. To convert a temporary license into a full license you must provide new proof of rabies vaccination prior to the temporary license expiration date. If the newly provided rabies expiration date falls prior to the term end, the new license expiration date will be the same as the rabies vaccination expiration date.
How old does my pet need to be for me to license them?
All pets over the age of 4 months are required to be licensed.
Do licenses need to be renewed annually?
Licenses are required to be renewed prior to the expiration date depending on the length of the license term you purchased.
When does my pet's license expire?
Licenses expire at the end of the license term selected unless your pet's current rabies vaccination expiration date falls prior to the end of the term. A license cannot be valid at any time a pet's rabies is expired. If you provide new proof of rabies expiration extending beyond the original term selected prior to the license expiration date, your pet's license may be extended to the full term originally selected.
PROGRAM AND PARTNERSHIP
Why does the system say my address is not valid?
You may have entered your address incorrectly or we may not have your address in the address database for your community. Please double-check all spelling and ensure you are using the abbreviated form for your street type ex. St instead of Street. You may contact Front Street Animal Shelter directly if you believe you reside within their jurisdiction but your address is not being accepted by the system.
FEES AND FINES
My pet is a show dog. Are there any special rates?
Please visit Front Street Animal Shelter in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. They are located at 2127 Front St Sacramento CA 95818. Once the team there verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.
What is the senior citizen age requirement?
Those aged 62 and older may qualify for a senior citizen rate.
What is the fine for not licensing a pet?
The fine for failing to license a pet is $300.
My pet has been designated as a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog and needs to pay a special rate. What do I do?
Please visit Front Street Animal Shelter in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. They are located at 2127 Front St Sacramento CA 95818. Once the team there verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.
What is the processing fee?
A processing fee of $2.00 per license product applies to all online orders.
My pet qualifies for the service animal rate. What do I do?
Please visit Front Street Animal Shelter in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. They are located at 2127 Front St Sacramento CA 95818. Once the team there verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.
What is the fee for licensing?
Visit this page for licensing options and fees: City of Sacramento Licensing Fees
My pet is a working dog. Are there any special rates?
Please visit Front Street Animal Shelter in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. They are located at 2127 Front St Sacramento CA 95818. Once the team there verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.
Why am I being charged a late fee?
Late fees come into effect if a license is not renewed within 30 days of the original expiration date.
I qualify for the veteran or disability rates. What do I do?
Please get in touch with Front Street Animal Shelter by calling 916-808-7387 or emailing 311@cityofsacramento.org to find out more.
My pet has been spayed/neutered since I last purchased their pet license. How do I qualify for the discounted rate?
If your community requires proof of spay/neuter for your pet in order to receive a discounted licensing rate, you will need to upload the appropriate documentation stating that your pet has been spayed/neutered to your online account. Once the documentation has been approved by Front Street Animal Shelter, you will be eligible to receive the new discounted rate. Otherwise, you can visit Front Street Animal Shelter in person at 2127 Front St Sacramento CA 95818 and show proof of spay/neuter there.
Is there a discount for licensing multiple pets?
No, there is no discount for licensing multiple pets. Each pet will be charged the appropriate licensing fee.
ACCOUNT UPDATES
Does my license transfer if I am moving?
If you are moving, please be sure to update your address by logging into your online account and navigating to your Profile Settings page. Even though you are moving, you’ll still be able to keep your pet's tag and access your pet's online account. However, your current license may not be valid in the new community you are moving to. Please get in touch with the pet licensing provider in the new community you are moving to in order to find out more information.
TAGS
I received a tag in person at an event, what should I do?
If you received a tag in person at an event, you will need to activate your pre-coded DocuPet Tag to ensure your pet is covered under DocuPet’s 24/7 HomeSafe™ lost pet service. For more information on how to activate your pet's pre-coded tag and license your pet, go to: https://docupetinc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/4403827951003-Activating-Tag-Through-Online-Account
Please note, that if you received the pre-coded tag when purchasing a license in person, your licensing details will be automatically added to your account once the records have been submitted from your local veterinarian clinic. Records are usually received and processed within 45 to 60 days.
How do I receive my tag if I don't have a current address?
Please visit in person at Front Street Animal Shelter located at 2127 Front St Sacramento CA 95818 and they will be able to assist you.
CITY INFORMATION AND CITY ORDINANCES
Who do I call if there’s an emergency involving dogs? (dog attack, loose dog, etc.)
Please get in touch with Front Street Animal Shelter at 916-808-7387.
What species are required to be licensed?
The following species are required to be licensed: Dogs and Cats.
Where can I find information about the pet licensing ordinance/bylaw?
Visit this page for information on licensing ordinances/bylaws: City of Sacramento Code
DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
Can I still license my pet if I don’t have the required documentation?
Yes! A temporary license can be issued while you gather your documents. Just follow one of the licensing methods listed above to get started. Please note that proof must be submitted before the temporary license expires, otherwise a new license will need to be purchased.
What documentation is required to purchase a license?
A valid rabies proof is required to purchase a pet license. A 30-day temporary license may be issued if you do not have rabies proof at the time of licensing. Proof of spay/neuter is required to receive the discounted altered rates.
Where can I obtain a copy of my pet’s rabies or spay/neuter document?
If you can’t locate the document you received after the procedure was done, you will need to contact your vet to obtain your pet's records. Be sure to specify any and all pets you require documentation for.
Once you’ve got the paperwork in your hands, take a look to ensure:
- The document provided is the right type of proof required.
- Pet and pet owner account data matches your own.
- The document is clear and legible.
How long does it take for my pet’s documents to be reviewed?
Documentation uploaded via the online system is reviewed within two to three business days.
Why do I have to upload a rabies and spay/neuter document for my pet?
To license your pet, you will be required to show proof that the pet's rabies vaccination is current. Documentation is also required to verify that a pet has been spayed or neutered and must be provided in order to receive the discounted rate. Requiring documentation ensures that provided pet information is accurate, which is critical for identification and safety reasons.
I just adopted my pet, but the information on the rabies vaccination certificate does not match my information. What should I do?
If the rabies vaccination certificate does not match your information because the pet was adopted, we recommend contacting [Organization] directly so their team can review and approve the documentation. We suggest reaching out to confirm that you have all required documentation, which may include adoption paperwork, in order to license your pet.
What are acceptable documentation types?
A rabies proof is required to prove that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies. A rabies proof identifying your pet as spayed/neutered or a spay/neuter proof may be accepted as documentation of sterilization.
My pet is rabies exempt, what do I do?
You will need to complete the required paperwork and visit Front Street Animal Shelter in person to qualify for rabies exemption.