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Pet Licensing

Protect your pet, yourself, and your community.

The best protection for your pets is licensing and vaccinating against rabies.  Licensing your pets is the quickest way to be reunited if they get lost or injured.  The County maintains a tracking system of licensed animals in case of a bite or rabies exposure.

Licensing also increases the likelihood of finding an aggressive animal or an animal that has been exposed to rabies, and that helps to reduce the number of people who must receive the post-exposure rabies vaccine after a bite.

Licensing is easy and affordable and the fees also help provide shelter, food, and emergency medical care for lost pets.  

Dog and Cat Licensing

Dog licensing is required in all cities, towns, and unincorporated areas of San Mateo County.  Although it is recommended that you license your cat, licensing is required in Brisbane, Belmont, Hillsborough, Millbrae, San Mateo, Redwood City, and unincorporated areas of the County.  Dogs and cats must be licensed by 4 months of age or within 60 days of acquiring the animal.  New residents of the county must license their dog or cat within 60 days.

To apply for a license, you will need a copy of your pet’s rabies certificate, copy or proof of your pet’s spay/neuter status, and proof of your pet’s age.  For more information on licensing requirements, please visit PetData, call (866) 925-5906 or email info@petdata.com.

Click here to be taken to the County Health System's website for information on how to license your pet online, by mail, or in person.