License FAQs
Yes. Each dog must have proof of a current rabies vaccination, administered by a licensed veterinarian. Titer tests will not be accepted as proof of rabies vaccination. Countywide licensing (with rabies vaccinations as a prerequisite) will reduce the risk of rabid dog bites throughout the county.
Dog licenses expire after one year of purchase.
Read more on the benefits of spaying and neutering your pet.
One of the benefits of licensing is that a neighbor or motorist who finds a lost dog can call Animal Control to identify the dog’s owner using the tag. A microchip can only be traced by a shelter, vet or animal control officer. Licensing allows neighbors to call, identify the dog’s owner and reunite the dog with the owner; saving animal control/taxpayer resources and owner stress, as well as saving the dog a trip to the shelter, where the owner would have to pay a fine. Of course, responsible owners do not let their dogs run free, but there are many occasions when accidents happen. For example, around the Fourth of July, fireworks upset many otherwise calm dogs.
Irresponsible pet owners who do let their dogs run loose will face the reality of enforcement — not just on the roaming dog issue, but also on licensing as well. An officer can issue a dog license on the spot, in lieu of a summons for not having the dog licensed. This will help officers track and regulate repeat offenders and dangerous animals.
ASA.AccountsPayable@santacruzcounty.us
831-454-7261
No, to renew a senior license, you will need to do one of the following:
- Mail in current rabies certificate for your dog
- Email ASA.AccountsPayable@santacruzcounty.us current rabies certificate
- Visit the Santa Cruz Shelter at 1001 Rodriguez St. in Santa Cruz