Licensing Your Dog

Puppy in grass with toy

**Please note: During the COVID-19 Shelter in Place, there will be no in person or telephone licensing services available. Online licensing is available at http://licensepet.com/wl3/reg/slnswl or you can mail in your license payment to 144 Hitchcock Road, Salinas CA 93908.**

Chapter 7 of the Municipal Code includes the rules and regulations for licensing your dog. All dogs four (4) months of age and over residing within the City limits must have current rabies vaccination and be licensed at Salinas City Hall or at Animal Shelter Services.

A current rabies vaccination certificate (from a veterinarian) is required to obtain a license. Vaccinations can last from one to three years, depending upon the medication used. Typically, the first rabies vaccine is good for a one year period and subsequent vaccines are good for 3 years. A license can not extend past the expiration date of the rabies vaccination. A veterinarian’s certificate is required in order to obtain the reduced license fee for a spayed/neutered animal; unless this fact is recorded on the rabies vaccination certificate or the animal has a prior license.

License Fees

Time Left on Vaccination
6 months $14.00 $38.75
1 year $20.25 $72.00
2 years $25.75 $87.75
3 years $31.25 $115.75
Late Fee Per Dog $34.25 $34.25

Dog licenses are available to citizens sixty (60) years of age and over at a reduced rate of $10.75 if the animal has been altered (proof of spay/neuter required).

A license will be issued without charge to any blind person who presents a verified certificate or affidavit that they are the owner of a trained guide dog or to any person who presents a verified certificate of affidavit that they are raising a dog for Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc San Rafael, California.

Questions regarding dog licensing fees may be directed to the Finance Department at (831) 758-7211 or for general questions, contact Animal Services at (831) 758-7285 or e-mail us.