Pet Licensing

City of Sacramento Front Street Animal Shelter logo and DocuPet logo on a blue background open_in_full

The Front Street Animal Shelter has partnered with DocuPet to provide an enhanced pet licensing experience for City of Sacramento residents. This new, easy-to-use online licensing service provides a quick and easy process to purchase a new pet license or renewing an existing pet license.

The licensing program allows pet owners to select a standard license tag at no additional charge or upgrade to one of DocuPet's colorful designer tag styles. Plus, 20% of all designer tag sales are donated to the Front Street Animal Shelter through DocuPet's Safe & Happy Fund.

Each standard or designer tag doubles as a pet's official license in the City of Sacramento and comes equipped with the HomeSafe™ 24/7 lost pet service, which relies on a dedicated full time dispatch staff and linked pet profiles to help get lost pets home quickly.

In addition, you will receive the following benefits:

  • Hundreds of unique and colorful designer tag styles to choose from or design your own tag style
  • With full access to HomeSafe™ 24/7 lost pet service, upload photos of your pet and include important information that will help identify and retrieve them if they become lost
  • Gain access to exclusive promotions and discounts
  • Add additional pet guardians to your pet's profile
  • Make a donation to the Safe&Happy Fund and help support animals at the Front Street Animal Shelter
  • Skip the trip and easily purchase or renew your pet's license from the comfort of your home
  • Upload documents for your pet by snapping a photo
  • View and download your pet's license documentation
  • Read up on exclusive pet-focused content
  • View your tag order status and history
  • Manage your account at anytime, including updating your contact information and making changes to your pet's details and status

Read this first before purchasing a new license

We issue pet licenses for residents within the city limits of Sacramento ONLY.

If you reside in the county limits of Sacramento, you must license with the Bradshaw Animal Shelter.

  • If your street sign is green-colored, then you reside within the City limits.
  • If your street sign is white-colored, you reside within the County limits.

Also, you may verify your address through the Sacramento County Parcel Viewer website. After you enter your house number and street name, check the Property Information section on the left side of the screen and look for Jurisdiction.

  • If it shows City of Sacramento, you reside within the City limits.
  • If it shows Unincorporated Area of Sacramento County, then you reside within the County limits.
If you live in one of the cities listed below, please visit your city's licensing website:
dog with tongue sticking out and wearing a tag on its collar open_in_full

Apply for a new pet license or renew an existing pet license

 

Need assistance?

 

Dog license fees

Below are the fees according to the type of license and the length of the license

‎Length of LicenseSpayed/NeuteredUnaltered
1 Year License$24$96
2 Year License$38$154
3 Year License$61$246

Cat license fees

‎Below are the fees according to the type of license and the length of the license

‎Length of LicenseSpayed/NeuteredUnaltered
1 Year License$18$90
2 Year License$29$144
3 Year LIcense$46$230

Senior citizen discount for dog and cat licenses

Pet owner must be 62 years of age or older AND the dog or cat must be spayed or neutered

‎Length of LicenseSpayed/Neutered
1 Year License$12
2 Year License$18
3 Year License$30

Apply for a service dog certification

A service dog is a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. We offer service dog certification for owners who qualify and reside within the city limits of Sacramento.

You MUST apply in-person at the Front Street Animal Shelter:

  • 2127 Front Street Sacramento CA 95818
  • Open 7 days a week / 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

At the time that you are applying to certify your service dog, your dog must be licensed with us. If your dog is not licensed, you will be required to obtain a license. To license your dog, please bring the following:

  • Rabies Vaccination Certificate (Make sure the rabies vaccination has not expired.)
  • Spay/Neuter Certificate (If applicable. If you do not have this certificate, we will accept any documentation from your vet showing your dog is spayed or neutered.)

Please bring a government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license or state-issued identification card). If your ID does not show your current address, we will accept a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, insurance card, or voter registration card.

Apply for a free 1-year license

If your dog or cat is spayed or neutered AND you participate in one of the programs listed below, you may be eligible to receive a 1-year license free-of-charge. You must provide proof of program participation from one of the following:

  • Lifeline (AT&T)
  • PG&E and SMUD Assistance Programs
  • City Utility Rate Assistance Program

Offer available for residents who reside within the city limits of Sacramento ONLY. Must provide proof of rabies vaccination and proof of spay/neuter.

Apply by mail or in-person by downloading and completing the application. You will NOT be able to apply online.

Click here to download the application

Purchase a license for a show animal

If your dog or cat is a show animal, you may be eligible to receive a 1-year license for an unaltered animal at a reduced price of $50. You must satisfy the following requirements:

  • Be registered with a national animal registry 
  • Have participated in a sanctioned event within the last 12 months
  • Your show animal cannot be bred during the period of the license

Offer available for residents who reside within the city limits of Sacramento ONLY. Must provide proof of rabies vaccination.

Apply by mail or in-person by downloading and completing the application. You will NOT be able to apply online.

Click here to download the application

Purchase a poultry license and permit

Read the Poultry License and Permit page for more information.

Apply by mail or in-person by downloading and completing the application. You will NOT be able to apply online.

Click here to download the application

Purchase a pig license

Apply by mail or in-person by downloading and completing the application. You will NOT be able to apply online.

Click here to download the application

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