At the Home Run Dog Park, it is required that all dogs using the park have a current dog license from the City of Battle Creek, Calhoun County or the municipality or state their dog owners are coming from. The dog when licensed will be issued a metal tag to attach to the collar. We thought it might be useful and interesting to examine dog licensing across the U.S., and how they vary.
The cost
The cost for a dog license varies from State to State. Some States have licensing fees set and directed by the individual counties, and others do not. In some places you will find getting a license will be free, if the dog is spayed or neutered, such as in Rogers, Arkansas. Most locations however, have a fee, which can range from just a few dollars to as high as $100 in the City of Seattle.
In the City of Battle Creek, the license fee is $20 per year for a fertile dog, and $5 per year for a spay/neutered dog. Additionally, spay/neutered dog owners can pay for a 3 year license at a discount of $12.
There are typically discounted fees in most areas for dogs that are spayed or neutered. Service dogs in many states are free or have a nominal fee of just a few dollars, but most states still require they be registered and be issued tags.
The fees for dog licenses are typically annual, and sometimes can be purchased for 3 to 5 years in advance. Some states like Ohio and Minnesota offer lifetime registration fees. Florida and Nevada offer Senior citizen discounts on the fees, but the discount can sometimes be limited to one dog.
The requirements
It is common for the dog owners to have to provide proof of vaccinations for the dogs from their veterinarian, with the most universal being the rabies vaccination. It is advisable to check in with your municipality or state to find out if any additional vaccinations are required. You can also expect to be required to provide veterinary proof of the dog being spayed or neutered when applying.
The State of Nebraskam for example, has the additional requirement of a personal liability insurance for specific breeds. All owners of American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Dogo Argentinas, Cane Corsos, Presa Canarios, American Bulldogs or dogs displaying a majority of physical traits of one or more of these breeds need to provide proof of $100,000 personal liability insurance prior to licensing their pet.
Some areas require licensing within 30 days of moving to the area, and others are more flexible. Puppies are typically required to be registered between 3 to 6 months of age, and this requirement can vary depending on location. Some require registration and licensing only after their first rabies vaccination.
Some states like South Dakota and Hawaii may require the dog to be microchipped. Others may offer discounts if the dog is chipped.
Where do the funds go?
Some of the funds are used for administration fees in the municipality or State, and others support the animal control departments or the county animal shelters in the area. There are a few states we researched that partner with the local Humane Society to help dog owners with services like spay/neutering, microchipping and vaccinations.
Penalties
Penalties for not licensing your pet can vary, depending where you live and the level of enforcement in the area. In Washington County Oregon, for example, the penalty fee for an unlicensed dog can be as high as $500. Whereas in Souix Falls, South Dakota you can be given a ticket for $75 if the dog is not licensed, and $50 for an unlicensed dog in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Common Requirements
The most common requirements you will find in dog licensing across the U.S. are:
- Proof of Rabies vaccination
- Discounts for spayed/neutered with veterinary proof
- A license or registration fee
If you are moving to a new State, the best tip would be to check with your local veterinarian or call the city or county clerk to find out what the licensing requirements are for your new location. For more information on dog licensing across the U.S., check out this article by Spoilt Pups. For information on local licensing in Battle Creek or Calhoun County, click here.
