How to Register Your Dog in San Francisco, CA

Why does it matter if your pup is registered? Well, first off, it’s the law. San Francisco requires dogs over four months of age to have a current license. And the last thing you want is a run in with the pawlice. So be sure to renew your pal’s registration each year. Another reason to register your pooch is that if they are ever loose, their license helps rescuers locate you sooner. True, microchipping is also helpful, but a license is easy to see and look up. Also, when your furry friend wears a tag, it lets the world know they have received their rabies vaccination. People are more likely to assist a lost doggo if they know they are healthy and vaccinated. Finally, registration fees help pay for things like local shelters, animal control, and city run dog parks. By licensing your pooch, you are doing your part to assist the local canine pupulation.

Once your fur baby reaches the age of four months, it’s time to register them with the city of San Francisco. But before this can take place, your pup needs to have a rabies vaccination, which come in one to three year doses. San Francisco makes registration easy on pet parents by allowing them to obtain a license equal to the rabies vaccine. So if your pup received the three year rabies shot, you can purchase a three year license. To register for the first time or renew your existing license, you need to fill out a Dog License Application Form, make a copy of your pup’s rabies vaccination certificate, and pay the license fee. The application form can be found on the San Francisco Animal Care and Control website. You can mail the documents and fee to San Francisco Tax Collector. If applying in person, stop by the Tax Collector at City Hall or San Francisco Animal Care and Control.

San Francisco has different registration fees for unaltered and altered animals. If your beloved pup has been spayed or neutered, a one year registration fee is $23.00. A two year license costs $35.00, and a three year is $46.00. For senior citizens, a one year license for an altered dog is $13.00, a two year is $20.00, and a three year is $ 25.00. If your pal has not been spayed or neutered, a one year registration will set you back $58.00. A two year license is $110.00, and a three year is $163.00. Senior citizens pay $32.00 for a one year unaltered license, $62.00 for a two year, and $92.00 for a three year. Be aware there is $29.00 late fee if you do not renew your license within 30 days of its expiration. If you have any questions about this process, contact San Francisco Animal Care and Control.