Licensing

Dog licenses are required for all dogs four months of age or older and are available year round. Licenses are considered non-delinquent in the following circumstances:

Newly purchased or acquired dogs.
Pups just attaining four months of age.
Dogs just becoming a Michigan resident.
Owners renewing their dog's license prior to the end of February of each year.
New licenses must be purchased within thirty days in order to qualify.

Currently cats and ferrets do not have to be licensed. Ferrets must be vaccinated for rabies and we encourage owners to vaccinate their cats against rabies, due to roaming and being susceptible to rabies.

Reasons For Licensing

Excellent identification. It's your pet's ticket back home. It allows us to notify you when your lost pet is found.
It ensures that your dog is vaccinated against rabies.
Provides proof that the dog legally belongs to you.
It's the LAW.

Licensing Fees

A current rabies vaccination certificate signed by a veterinarian is required to purchase a license. To obtain a $7.50 license you must submit proof that your dog is surgically sterilized. You can do this by sending a Veterinarian's Certificate of Sterilization. Licenses can be purchased at the Animal Control Office.

Obtaining a License

Licenses are available through the mail. You must submit your check or money order, rabies vaccination certificate, proof of sterilization (if applicable) and prepared application to:

Monroe County Animal Control
911 S. Raisinville Rd.
Monroe, MI 48161

License renewals will be mailed in December and must be renewed before March 1st. If the application mailed to you has the box labeled "sex" printed M-Neutered or F-Spayed, you need not provide additional proof of sterilization.

A lost license tag will be replaced at the Monroe County Animal Control at no charge if the tag is lost or damaged.

Dog License Application/Renewal (pdf)