Dog Licensing Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I get a replacement tag online through DocuPet?

Yes. Replacement tags can be ordered online via DocuPet, by mail or in-person at our El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside and San Diego campuses.

Replacement tags are $15 for all jurisdictions that San Diego Humane Society serves.

Registered service dog and DD/VD/PN replacement tags are $15 and must be purchased in-person.

ATTN: Replacement Tag, Licensing Department
San Diego Humane Society
5480 Gaines St.
San Diego, CA 92110

I’ve Ordered My Tag. How long will it take to receive it?

Thank you so much for licensing your dog, If your dog is ever missing, a license tag provides a quick and accurate way of notifying you if someone else finds your pet. It also provides proof that your dog has been vaccinated against rabies, as required by law.

Please allow 30 days for processing

You may also email license@sdhumane.org to check on the status of your order.

I have recently renewed my dog's license and now I have a delinquency notice. Why did this happen?

Renewals can take three weeks to process, so your renewal form and the notice you received might have crossed in the mail.

If you believe you are receiving renewal notices in error, please contact us at 619-299-7012 or email  license@sdhumane.org so we can update our records.

Why does my dog need to be licensed?

It is the law.

San Diego County (62.610 and 62.620) and California Health and Safety Code (121690) and the cities of Oceanside (4.17) and Vista (6.07.010) require all dogs to be vaccinated against rabies and to obtain a license within 30 days (a) of all dogs reaching four months of age; (b) of acquiring a dog, or (c) after moving to Escondido, Oceanside, Poway, San Marcos or Vista. Failure to do so within this time will result in a late fee and/or a citation. If your dog ends up at our campus and is licensed, your fees will be less. If an unlicensed and unaltered dog (running at large) is brought to a San Diego Humane campus, the fines to retrieve the dog start at $150 per day. The fines are set by the California Food & Agriculture Code (30804.7) and local ordinances.

Licensed dogs have a higher chance of being reunited with their owners if they get lost. Humane Law Enforcement officers will try to return the dogs directly to their home if the dog is wearing an up-to-date tag.
Important health information about your dog can be placed in our licensing records so that if they get lost and end up in our care, we have a medical history for them. Purchasing your dog a license helps save the lives of animals by providing funding for pets in need that come to San Diego Humane Society.
A current license is proof your dog is vaccinated against rabies.

Does it matter where I get my dog’s rabies vaccination?

No, but In order to get a license, your dog must receive a California-approved rabies vaccination, listed here.

Why does my license expire when the rabies vaccine expires?

Health and Safety code 121690g states that a license cannot exceed the rabies vaccination due date. It also serves as a reminder to update the rabies vaccination.

Why is the altered dog license so much cheaper than the unaltered dog license?

As an incentive to have your dog spayed or neutered.
California Food & Agriculture Code (30804.5) states that license fees are to be one-half or less than the regular fee if they are altered.

Why was my check returned?

If your check was returned, there should have been a small form explaining why it was returned (i.e. incorrect payment, need a rabies shot, etc.).

Please make the needed changes and return by the appointed date to avoid any late fees.

If you have any questions, please call 619-299-7012.

Owners can also scan their rabies certificate or take a photo with their phones and send it to license@sdhumane.org. If you do this be sure to leave a call-back number so we can call you and collect payment over the phone.

Where can I get a rabies vaccination for my dog?

San Diego Humane Society hosts vaccination clinics at all of our campuses. Click here for schedule information. You can also get your pet vaccinated at your family vet hospital or clinic. You can also get your pet vaccinated at your family vet hospital, clinic or one of these low-cost locations.

Where can I get a license if my dog already has their rabies vaccination?

After your dog receives the rabies vaccine, take one of the steps below to license your pet. Please note: These steps apply if you are a resident of Carlsbad, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Oceanside, Poway, San Diego, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach and Vista.

License your dog online at https://sandiego.docupet.com/en_US/
Print a dog license application and mail it to our San Diego Campus (5480 Gaines St., San Diego, CA 92110)
Come in person to our El Cajon Campus (1375 N. Marshall Ave., 92020), Escondido Campus (3500 Burnet Drive, 92027), Oceanside Campus (2905 San Luis Rey Road, 92058) or San Diego Campus (5480 Gaines St., San Diego, CA 92110) during normal business hours.

Please note: If you are licensing a rabies exempt dog you cannot license through DocuPet and need to mail in your license form or come in-person to license.

Where does the money for the licenses go?

The money for licenses supports San Diego’s ability to be there for animals in need. The funds collected from licensing costs are credited to the issuing jurisdiction to offset the costs of providing animal care and control for their community. Every licensing fee helps to make our communities safer and better for the animals who live there.

What do I do if the information for my dog is wrong on the renewal form?

Mail in the renewal form with the correct information and make sure to include the dog's license tag number.

How do I change my address?

You can change your address by accessing your online DocuPet account or by emailing license@sdhumane.org. with your old address and your most current address.

Does my dog need to wear his/her tags?

Yes. Food and Agriculture code (30951) states that the dog needs to have a) a metal tag with name and address of owner; OR b) metal license tag issued by licensing authority.

Does my cat need to be licensed?

A license is not required for cats in San Diego Humane Society jurisdictions, which include: Carlsbad, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Oceanside, Poway, San Diego, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach and Vista.

If you reside in Chula Vista, Coronado, Lemon Grove and National City, please contact with your local jurisdiction for licensing information.
Residents of unincorporated San Diego County must contact the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services for licensing.

My dog does not have a current rabies vaccination. Why can't I get a license?

California Code of Regulations (2606.4c) states all dogs are required to have a current rabies vaccination in order to obtain a dog license.

My dog has a medical condition that prevents him from getting a vaccination. What do I do about a license?

If your pet cannot get a rabies vaccination due to a medical condition, please complete this Certificate of Exemption from Rabies form with your veterinarian. This form must be signed by your veterinarian explaining why your dog can not receive a rabies vaccination. Rabies exemption forms expire after one year and must be processed in-person or by mail at 5480 Gaines St., San Diego CA 92110.

My dog never leaves the house. Do I still need a license?

Yes, a dog can still get out of the yard and a license will make it easier to return your dog.

It is the law.

I have a rabies tag or microchip. Do I still need a license?

Yes, your city ordinance states that "it shall be unlawful to own or harbor any dog within the city, except as herein provided, without first having obtained a license..." A rabies tag only provides proof of rabies vaccine and does not qualify as a dog license; a microchip only provides proof of ownership.

I no longer own the dog.

Please mark the appropriate box and return the renewal notice or email us at license@sdhumane.org.

My dog passed away.

Please mark the appropriate box and return the renewal notice or email us at license@sdhumane.org.

I moved out of the Jurisdiction.

If you have moved out of Carlsbad, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Oceanside, Poway, San Diego, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach and Vista, please mark the appropriate box and return the renewal notice or contact us at license@sdhumane.org.

I did not pay my license by the renewal date. Is there a late fee?

Yes, there is a $25 late fee.

I just received an Administrative Citation, what do I do?

The dog owner must purchase a dog license at the San Diego Humane Society Escondido, Oceanside or San Diego Campus. We recommend visiting one of our campus locations in person to process the Administrative Citation. Proof of a current rabies vaccine is required and can be obtained from any state-licensed veterinarian.

Follow the directions on the back of the Administrative Citation to ensure compliance and avoid any additional penalties.
It is your responsibility to pay the Administrative Citation within 30 days of issuance, including weekends and holidays.
Late fees need to be paid when purchasing a license.
If you no longer own the dog, no longer live in the jurisdiction, etc. please contact the San Diego Humane Society immediately at 619-299-7012 so we can make the proper changes.

What do I need to do to license my assistance/service dog?

California Health and Safety Code (121690) requires all dogs to be vaccinated against rabies and to obtain a license. Once you have obtained a valid dog license, the below information will assist in registering a service dog with San Diego Humane Society.

Requirements for San Diego Humane Society's Service Dog Registration are:

1. A current dog license.

California Health and Safety Code (121690) requires all dogs to be vaccinated against rabies and to obtain a license. All licensing fees are waived (by law) for service dog licensing, once the dog has been established as a Service Dog through San Diego Humane Society.

2. What qualifies as an official "service dog?

"A "service dog," under California law, is a dog trained to help a specific individual with a disability with services such as fetching dropped items, minimal protection work, rescue work or pulling a wheelchair. More information about what qualifies as a "service" animal can be found here.

3. Must live in San Diego Humane Society's Animal Service Jurisdiction.

If your dog meets the above qualifications, please email a current rabies certificate and dog license to license@sdhumane.org to begin the service dog registration process.

Once the above information has been received and processed, an application will be returned to your email address with next steps. Please allow 30 days for processing.

Please note, service dog replacement tags are $15.

If you meet the above qualifications, please email the following three attachments to license@sdhumane.org to begin the service dog registration process.

One of the following options:
- A Copy of a doctor's note / prescription or...
- A copy of your handicapped placard or...
- A copy of your SSDI award letter.
...and a photo of yourself,
...and a current rabies certificate.

Once the above information has been received and processed, an application will be returned to your email address with next steps. Please allow 30 days for processing.

Please note, service dog replacement tags are $10.

More information about service dogs and other animals in supportive roles.

How do I renew my assistance/service dog's license?

To renew your dog's municipal license, mail a copy of the dog's rabies booster to San Diego Humane Society Licensing Department at 5480 Gaines St., San Diego, CA 92110. We will update the license through to the rabies expiration date. Service tags (the large gold ones) are lifetime tags and do not need renewal.

Does my assistance/service dog need a dog license?

Yes. All assistance/service dog's municipal licenses must be kept up to date like a normal license.