How to Register Your Dog in Miami, FL

Imagine your fur baby accidentally got loose in the city. What a nightmare! You would want to know there was a sure fire way to get them back, right? Well, a license and registration does just that. When someone comes across a lost dog, they can contact animal services and get the pet parent infurmation. Similarly, if the animal services office comes across a loose pupster, they can contact their parent immediately. Since your pooch has to have a rabies vaccine in order to be registered, their tag also tells people they are healthy and current on their vaccinations. Besides, protecting your dog from being lost for good, dog registration is the law. Miami-Dade County requires all doggos over four months of age to be registered. You don’t want to have a run in with the pawlice, so make sure your pal always has an up to date license tag.

In Miami-Dade County, you must be 18 years or older and a resident of the county to register as a pet parent. Since you cannot apply for a new license or renew an existing one online, there are a few places that assist with dog registration. Before you stop by one of the available locations, make sure you have the necessary documents. You need a valid license or a passport, proof of a rabies vaccination, and a current eligibility letter if you are applying for the low income discount rate. Once you have everything ready to go, you can go to the Pet Adoption and Protection Center, a 311 Service Center, or your veterinarian’s office. You also have the option of registering by mail. Please note that if you register via mail or at a 311 Service Center, only a money order, cashier’s check or personal check is accepted.

Not only is spaying or neutering good for your pup’s health, it also saves you money. In Miami-Dade County, a one year license for a spayed or neutered dog costs $30.00. If your pup received a three year rabies vaccination, you can pay $90.00 for a three year license. On the other paw, a one year license for an unaltered dog costs $60.00, and if you want a three year license, you’ll pay $180.00. Please note that the cost for a one year license for a dog under 12 months is $30.00, regardless of whether they are altered or not. Miami-Dade County does offer a discount rate for low income individuals that meet eligibility requirements. A one year license can be purchased for spayed or neutered dogs for $5.00, or $15.00 for unaltered animals. If you have questions about the registration process, don’t hesitate to contact Miami-Dade County Animal Services.