Pet Licensing

Why you should license your dog:

A license provides an easy means for identifying you as its owner.  If your dog is injured, his license may help others notify you quickly, possibly saving your dog's life. If an Animal Control Officer rescues your lost dog, the license may enable the Officer to return the dog directly to you, thereby saving both you and your dog a trip to the Shelter.

A Sonoma County dog license also provides important proof of current rabies vaccination. Rabies exists in Sonoma County in certain wild animals as well as domestic animals that become infected through contact with them.  Every year hundreds of County residents are bitten by dogs, and some residents will be required to undergo rabies treatment because the dog was not wearing a license to indicate its vaccination status.

It's the law.  County ordinances require annual licensing for all dogs over four months of age.  Owners must license any dog within 30 days of acquiring a new dog or moving to the unincorporated area of the County. Failure to comply results in annual penalties equivalent to the amount of the license due.
Penalty Appeal Form (PDF: 292k)

How to license your dog:

County of Sonoma, City of Santa Rosa, and Town of Windsor licensing fees are $19.50 for spayed or neutered dogs, and $42 for unaltered dogs.

To purchase your dog's license

Fill out our license application (PDF: 50k), enclose a copy of your dog's rabies vaccination certificate and spay/neuter certificate (if applicable) and a check for the appropriate fee. Your license will be sent to you by mail along with a receipt.

Mail to or visit in person:

Sonoma County Animal Care and Control
1247 Century Court
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Replacement Tags are $6.00 for Unincorporated Sonoma County, Town of Windsor and City of Santa Rosa Residents.