How to License Your Dog
To license your dog, search online for the local office that issues dog licenses by typing "dog license," followed by your city's name. Then, call them to ask about their requirements, which will likely include a rabies vaccination. Next, go to your vet to get the vaccinations your dog needs. Afterwards, complete the license application form online or at the office. Finish by submitting your application and paying the license fee.
Find the appropriate office. Depending on where you live, the office might be the Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, animal control, or another office. You should call the switchboard for your city or town and ask who you should speak to. You can also search online. Type the name of your city or county and the words “dog license.” Search through the results and look for an official government website. Don't delay. Depending on when you buy the dog, you might not be able to wait. For example, in Montgomery County, Ohio, you must register your dog immediately if you get it after January 31. Obtain a list of requirements. Each city will have different requirements you must meet. Generally, many cities will require that your dog have a rabies vaccination. San Francisco, for example, has this requirement. There also might be an age requirement. For example, many places require that dogs be licensed as soon as they reach three months old. Get your dog vaccinated. Find a vet in your area and schedule a rabies vaccination. Give yourself enough time so that your dog is vaccinated before you apply for your dog license. If your dog is too sick to handle the rabies vaccine, then you should contact your animal control office and ask what to do. In some cities, your dog will be excused from the vaccination requirement if your vet writes a letter stating that a rabies vaccination would harm the dog because of its age. Have your dog spayed or neutered. Even where this isn't a requirement, you might be able to pay a lower fee if your dog was spayed or neutered. For example, in New York City, you pay $8.50 for a dog that has been sterilized but $34.00 if not. Get a copy of the sterilization certificate from your vet's office. You will probably have to show it to the city office. If your dog was spayed or neutered before you got it, then ask your vet to write a letter. In the letter, your vet can state they didn't perform the surgery but have observed the dog and can confirm it has been sterilized. Complete the application. Your city or county office should have an application you can complete. Some applications are available online. Each application is different, but they will generally ask for common information. In Maricopa County, Arizona, for example, you must provide the following when applying for a license for the first time: your name and address as the owner name, breed, color, and age of your dog date of rabies vaccination manufacturer and serial or lot number of the vaccination used date when re-vaccination is required hospital or clinic where your dog was vaccinated veterinarian's license or ID number and signature that they gave the vaccination proof of sterilization (if applicable) Submit your application to the appropriate address and pay your fee. The amount of the fee will vary depending on where you license your dog but is typically less than $50. Call ahead of time and ask about acceptable methods of payment. In some places, such as Los Angeles, seniors qualify for a reduced fee. You should ask the office if discounts are available. Wait for the license. Processing times will vary. For example, in New York City, you will need to wait two to four weeks to receive your license and tags. You may have to wait longer, depending on where you live. In some areas, if you have your dog licensed through your vet's office, you may get the tags immediately. Replace lost tags. Typically, the city will charge you a small fee to replace the tags if you lose them. Contact the appropriate office and ask how to request a replacement. Often, you can request a replacement online or by sending a written request to the office. Renew your license. In some places, you can buy a lifetime license. If that option isn't available, or if you didn't choose it, then you need to renew your license. Check back with the same office for the process. Also check the date for renewals. Some cities and counties limit when you can renew a dog license. In Montgomery County, Ohio, you must renew the license between December 1 and January 31. Determine if your dog qualifies as a service animal. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service animal as any dog that helps a disabled person. Your dog is a service dog if it meets this requirement. A service dog generally does the following: alerts you to dangers if you are hearing or vision impaired pulls wheelchairs or carries things for you assists you with balance Apply for your license. Your city might have a special application you need to fill out to license your service dog. You can get this from the same office that licenses every other dog in your city or county. Stop in or look online. You also must pay a licensing fee and meet all other licensing requirements. Obtain a special service animal tag. Your city or county might have special tags reserved for service animals. These tags are convenient because they tell business owners that your dog is a licensed service dog. In New York City, you can get a service animal tag for free. These tags are usually optional. In the US, a business owner must allow you to use your service animal if you are disabled regardless of whether the dog has a particular tag. Avoid buying certificates or permits. A license is not a permit or a certificate, and you shouldn't confuse them. You must license your service dog, just as you would any other dog. However, you do not need a special permit or certificate for a service animal. Some countries require that service animals be certified. However, the US does not have this requirement. You should never register or seek a permit/certificate for your service animal with a private company. These are usually scams that provide no benefit to you. All the scammer does is print off a piece of paper and accept your money in return. If someone contacts you about getting a certificate or permit, then call your county or city office. Ask whether you need any permit/certification apart from a dog license. Working only with government agencies protects you from being taken advantage of. 
Find the appropriate office. Obtain a list of requirements. Get your dog vaccinated. Have your dog spayed or neutered. Complete the application. Submit your application to the appropriate address and pay your fee. Wait for the license. Replace lost tags. Renew your license. Determine if your dog qualifies as a service animal. Apply for your license. Obtain a special service animal tag. Avoid buying certificates or permits. 