California law requires that all dogs over the age of four months be licensed as a rabies control measure. Making sure your dog has its current license attached to its collar also is your best insurance of having your dog returned to you in case he or she becomes lost or gets out of your yard. The dog license also lets us know if your pet is currently vaccinated against rabies. The money received from dog license fees helps the department continue to provide quality animal care and control services 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
My dog never leaves my property; Why do I have to buy a license?
California law requires that every dog four months of age or older must have a current license fastened to its collar. Even dogs that "never leave the house" or property have a way of getting out through accidentally opened gates or by digging under fences. Also, a natural disaster like an earthquake or fire may cause your pet to flee the safety of your property. Having a dog license on its collar will help reunite your lost pet with you.
When do I have to license my dog and how do I get one?
All dogs four (4) months old or older are required to have a current dog license by local municipal codes:
Long Beach LBMC 6.08.010 ·
Cerritos CMC 8.04.035(a)
Signal Hill SHMC 6.08.010 ·
Los Alamitos LAMC 6.08.010
Seal Beach SBMC 7.05.035
Dog License Fees
License fees vary from city or area, please refer to the License Fee Schedules below for the appropriate license fee.
How to Purchase A permanent dog license tag is issued when a license is first purchased. Should you need a replacement tag, there is a fee of $10.00.
You may purchase a dog license in person at the Bureau of Animal Care Services located at 7700 E. Spring Street, Long Beach, CA 90815. You will be asked to provide the information at the time of purchase. A dog license will be issued to you at the time of purchase.
You may also purchase a dog license by mail. Send copies (this paperwork will not be returned so do not send originals) of the above information along with the dog license application to the Animal Care Services Bureau at 7700 E. Spring Street, Long Beach, CA 90815, along with a check or money order for the proper amount. The license will be processed and a dog license tag will be mailed to your home.
To purchase a dog license, you will need to provide the following:
History of prior licenses
Your name, address and phone number.
A current rabies inoculation certificate, good for the entire licensing period.
A certificate of sterility if your dog has been spayed or neutered (altered). This will reduce your dog license fee. The certificate must be shown at the time of purchase to receive the reduced rate.
Dog license fee
For additional licensing information call 562-570-7387.
