Dog Licensing

According to California Health and Safety Code Section 121690(a) and County Ordinance Section 541-32(a), dogs shall be vaccinated for rabies and licensed at the age of 4 months or 10 days after the arrival of the dog in the unincorporated areas of Humboldt County. It makes no difference whether the dog is an indoor dog, never gets out of the yard or house, or the dog’s home is in the country. All dogs must be licensed in the incorporated city or county in which they live. Licenses are due yearly on the anniversary date of the rabies vaccination. Prior to the expiration date of the license, courtesy renewal notices are sent on each dog.

Please note: The owner is responsible for renewing the license on or before the expiration date even if the renewal notice is not received. Tags are used for the life of the dog, however, if new tags are needed, the charge is $5 each.

Register & Pay Online

You may register, renew, and pay for licenses online at https://humboldtgov.org/DogLicenseRegistration.

Change of Address / Ownership

In the event the owner changes mailing and/or physical addresses, the Animal Control Office must be contacted with the new information within 30 days. If the dog is sold or ownership transferred, the transferring owner must notify the Animal Control office of the name, address, and phone number of the new owner.

Breeders & Kennels

Special licenses for breeders and kennels are available at reduced rates. Please call for details.

Forms

Dog Licensing Instructions
Dog License Application Form

Please mail a copy of your Dog License Application Form, Proof of Spaying or Neutering, a current copy of the Rabies Certificate, and a check to cover licensing fees to:
Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control (HCSO Animal Control)
980 Lycoming Road
McKinleyville, CA 95519