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Department of Health Services

Sonoma County Animal Services

Golden Dog sitting happy surrounded by trees

How to License Your Dog

Sonoma County Animal Services is partnered with DocuPet for licensing. If you live in the City of Santa Rosa or Unincorporated Sonoma County, please license your dog through:

  • Docupet: sonomacounty.docupet.com (online is the fastest option)
  • Mail: click here for the mail-in license application
  • Phone: 707-565-7100 
  • In person: 1247 Century Court, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

If you do not live in the City of Santa Rosa or Unincorporated Sonoma County, please see below to purchase a dog license from the agency that serves your community.

LICENSE ONLINE WITH DOCUPET NOW MAIL IN APPLICATION (Santa Rosa) MAIL IN APPLICATION (Unincorporated)



Dog walking on sidewalk

Dog License Fees

City of Santa Rosa

Fee Type Fee  Senior Fee (62+)**
Altered Dog* $16.00 $14.00
Unaltered Dog $19.00 $19.00
Late Fee, if paid after the license expiration date: $9.00

Unincorporated Sonoma County

Fee Type Fee  Senior Fee (62+)**
Altered Dog* $17.00 $15.00
Unaltered Dog $20.00 $20.00
Late Fee, if paid after the license expiration date: $9.00

Replacement/Transfer Tags: $12.00

*Proof of spay/neuter is required to receive the altered fee.

**Proof of age is required to receive the senior citizen rate.

LICENSE ONLINE WITH DOCUPET NOW MAIL IN APPLICATION (Santa Rosa) MAIL IN APPLICATION (Unincorporated)


puppy tilting head

Why License Your Pet

puppy tilting head

  • It is required for Sonoma County dogs over the 4 months and older.
  • It is proof your pet has been vaccinated against rabies.
  • Your dog's DocuPet tag will be linked to a secure online profile to help them return home if lost.
  • Each DocuPet tag comes equipped with the HomeSafe™: a 24 hour hotline for Lost Pet Services.
  • Upgrade to a designed tag and 20% of all sales are donated to Sonoma County Animal Shelter through DocuPet’s Safe & Happy Fund.
  • Your license fee helps our animal shelter provide services to over 2,500 pets a year.
  • Any pet picked up in our jurisdiction with a valid license and microchip will receive a free ride home with one of our Animal Services Officers.

cat lying on pavement facing away

License Your Cat

  • Licensing your cat is voluntary (cat licensing is not required by law in Santa Rosa or Unincorporated Sonoma County)
  • Landlords or apartment/condo complexes may require cats to be licensed. Please check with your landlord or manager for more information.
  • Your cat's license shows the community that your pet is a loved member of your family.

All cat licenses are a one-time fee.

City of Santa Rosa and Unincorporated Sonoma County Cat License Fees

Fee Type Fee 
Altered Cat $12.00
Unaltered Cat $12.00

LICENSE WITH DOCUPET NOW MAIL IN APPLICATION (Santa Rosa) MAIL IN APPLICATION (Unincorporated)


two dogs running down the street

Microchip Your Pet

two dogs running down the street

  • A microchip is a small chip (about the size of a grain of rice) that is inserted under the loose skin on the back of your pet's neck.
  • This chip is barcoded and serves as permanent identification for your pet.
  • The procedure takes about 15 minutes, depending on the number of customers.
  • Microchips are the fastest way for your pet to get home if lost.
  • Registration is good for a lifetime, so you can update your contact information without needing to pay additional fees.
  • You can bring your pet to the shelter at 1247 Century Court, Santa Rosa, to get a microchip during business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4:30pm.
  • Fee is $34.00.