Dog Licensing Frequently Asked Questions

How can I purchase a dog license?

If you live in San Diego Humane Society’s jurisdiction, you can purchase a dog license online, by mail, by phone or in person at any of our campuses.

San Diego Humane Society’s jurisdiction includes the cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Oceanside, Poway, San Diego, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach and Vista.

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

How do I purchase a license online?

It’s easy! San Diego Humane Society partners with DocuPet to help pet owners purchase a new license or renew an existing license through a convenient online portal. DocuPet processes online licenses for the cities in San Diego Humane Society’s jurisdiction. Click here to get started.

What do I need to license my dog with San Diego Humane Society?

1. You must live within our jurisdiction.
2. Your pet must have a current rabies vaccine certificate. The certificate must include your veterinarian's business name and license number or clinic name and phone number. If your pet cannot get a rabies vaccination due to a medical condition, please complete this rabies exemption form with your veterinarian. Here’s a list of California-approved Rabies Vaccinations.

I don't live in your jurisdiction, can I still get a license with you?

No. You will need to go to your city’s appropriate agency to get your dog’s license and tag.

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

After your dog receives a California-approved 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. 

1. License your dog online at https://sandiego.docupet.com/en_US/
2. Print a dog license application and mail it to our San Diego Campus (5480 Gaines St., San Diego, CA 92110) 
3. 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. 

What if I got my pet’s rabies vaccine in a different state or country and it is not listed on the California- approved rabies list?

Unfortunately, a California-approved rabies vaccine is required for licensing. We cannot issue you a license without a current California-approved rabies vaccine. Your pet will have to get a new vaccine.

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.

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. 

If my dog is exempt from a rabies vaccine, how long can I get a license for?

We can only issue a one-year license for dogs who are exempt from a rabies vaccine. The license will expire the date your rabies exemption form expires.

If I have an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), can I receive a service dog tag?

No, an ESA is not considered a service dog. “Service dog” means any dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. If this applies to you, please fill out the application on our website.

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 purchase 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? 

Please allow 30 days for processing. You may also email license@sdhumane.org to check on the status of your order.

I recently renewed my dog's license but I still received a delinquency notice. Why did this happen? 

There is a 3-week turnaround time on renewals, so they might have crossed in the mail. If you believe you received a delinquency notice in error, please contact us at 619-299-7012 or email license@sdhumane.org so we can make sure that you will not receive another notice.

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. Our Humane Law Enforcement team will try to return dogs directly to their homes 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.
• A current license is proof your dog is vaccinated against rabies.
• Purchasing your dog a license helps save the lives of animals by providing funding for pets in need who come to San Diego Humane Society.

Why does my license expire when the rabies vaccine expires? 

Health and Safety code 121690(g) 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? 

1. We strongly urge pet owners to spay or neuter their animals. As an incentive to have your dog spayed or neutered, licensing fees are reduced.
2. 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 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 a tag? 

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, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove and National City, please contact with your local jurisdiction for licensing information.
Residents of unincorporated North County and unincorporated South 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 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.
Also, regardless of whether a dog primarily lives indoors, licensing 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.

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

Yes, licenses are required by law in all cities within San Diego Humane Society’s jurisdiction. at  A rabies tag only provides proof of your pet’s rabies vaccine and does not qualify as a dog license. Similarly, a microchip only provides proof of ownership.

I no longer own the dog but I am still receiving licensing notices. 

Please mark the appropriate box on the renewal notice and return it by mail or email us at license@sdhumane.org so we can update your record.

My dog passed away but I am still receiving licensing notices. 

Please mark the appropriate box on the renewal notice and return  it by mail or email us at license@sdhumane.org so we can update your record.

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 or Vista, please mark the appropriate box on the renewal notice and return it to us 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 $20 late fee for residents of Oceanside (4.18), Vista (6.07.020), Carlsbad, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Oceanside, Poway, San Diego, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach and Vista.

I just received an Administrative Citation. What do I do? 

The dog owner must purchase a dog license at San Diego Humane Society’s El Cajon, 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 or no longer live in the jurisdiction, please contact 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 information will below will help you register 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. Must be qualified 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 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 disabled placard or...
  • A copy of your SSDI award letter.
• ...and a photo of yourself,
• ...and a current rabies certificate for your dog.

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

Please note, service dog replacement tags are $15.

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 standard dog license.