Dog Licensing
California law and city ordinances require all dogs over the age of four months to be vaccinated and licensed. The fee you pay for your dog license keeps our animal services programs going. Cat licenses are not required in Palo Alto, Los Altos, or Los Altos Hills.
Please note that the following licensing information only applies to residents of Palo Alto, Los Altos, and Los Altos Hills.
+ License Your Dog Via Mail
If you prefer to complete the licensing process by mail, please follow these steps. Please note that applications cannot be submitted via email.
- Download and complete the license application/renewal form here
- Submit the application with your check made to "Pets In Need", rabies certificate, and spay/neuter certificate (if applicable) to 3281 E. Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303.
+ Licensing Requirements
Please have the following items ready when you license your dog:
- Current rabies certificate
- License fee, payable by cash, check, or debit/credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
- Proof of spay/neuter not required, but will reduce license fee
+ Licensing a Service Dog
If you are licensing a service dog (not emotional support animal), please complete and submit the Service Dog Affidavit with your application.
+ Licensing a Dog with a Rabies Exemption
If your veterinarian has determined that receiving the rabies vaccine is a health hazard for your dog, you may file for an exemption from the rabies vaccine under State of California H&S Code 121690 to still obtain a dog license, which is still required by law.
Download and complete the exemption form here and submit as above. Exemptions are valid for one year and you must submit a new form annually.
+ Moving or Pet Passed Away
If you have moved outside of our jurisdiction or if your pet has passed away, please let us know by calling (650) 496-5971 or emailing licensing@petsinneed.org.
+ Licensing FAQs
My pet’s rabies vaccination certificate is expiring in one year. Can I still purchase a license for three years? No. The rabies certificate must be effective during the entire licensing period
What does altered and unaltered mean? Unaltered refers to an animal that has not undergone spay or neuter surgery and is capable of reproduction. An altered animal has been spayed or neutered and is unable to reproduce.
I lost my pet’s licensing tag. Can I get a replacement? Yes, you can. Replacement tags are available for $5. Please contact us at (650) 496-5971 or licensing@petsinneed.org.
Dog License Fees
No refunds are issued for new licenses, renewals, or late fees. Pricing is shown for unaltered/altered.