Licensing

By law, all dogs over 4 months of age must be licensed. This applies to all dogs living in Santa Cruz county, regardless of whether they reside in a city or in an unincorporated area of the county. If your dog is unlicensed you can be cited and fined. Dogs entering the county have 30 days to be licensed. If the dog is licensed with another county in California the license must be transferred to a Santa Cruz County license within 30 days. Santa Cruz will honor up to one year of the presently valid license. Licensing for Santa Cruz is now handled by the Santa Cruz County Animal Services Authority (ASA). For more information on licensing laws please call 831-454-7303, or visit the ASA online at http://www.scanimalservices.us/licensing.asp

WHY LICENSE YOUR DOG?

Lost Animals

There are over 90,000 dogs in Santa Cruz County. 4,500 dogs are lost each year. Less than one-third are reunited with their owners. A licensed dog, with a tag, will be sheltered by the ASA at least 7 days after you have been notified. An unlicensed dog need only be kept 3 days. If your dog is lost anywhere, the license number can be traced back to you. A license can be a ticket home for a lost dog.

Injured Animals

Your dog's license will make it possible for us to contact you if your dog is injured. It also allows us to take your animal to a veterinarian if you cannot be reached. A license could mean the difference between life and death for your companion.

Dog Bite and Rabies Prevention

Over 600 dog bites are reported every year in Santa Cruz County. Your dog license is proof that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies.

Cost Savings

Every dog over 4 months old requires a license. If your dog is unlicensed you can be cited and fined. You really can't afford not to license your dog. Your dog will be lost without it!