ANIMAL
CONTROL
Dog
Licensing
State law requires all dogs over the age of 4 months be licensed in the area that they live. Upon moving to the City of Livermore, you are required to purchase a Dog License within 30 days of residency.
A common misconception is that the tag you are given by your veterinarian when your dog receives it's rabies vaccination is a dog license. The tag that is given to you is NOT a dog license, rather a rabies tag. You must still take your proof of rabies vaccination to City Hall and purchase a City Dog license.
Animal Control Officers regularly check the licensing status of dogs that they come in contact with for a current license. If the dog is unlicensed the owner will receive a "fix-it-ticket" requiring that the owner license their dog. Additionally, dogs must be licensed to use the city's dog park facilities.
If your dog is lost or injured this identification makes it possible to contact the dogs owner. Animal Control has a list of all dog license numbers, including contact information, making it possible for them to locate the dog's owner.
Contact Livermore city hall finance department to obtain a license. Be ready to provide them with current rabies vaccine information from a licensed veterinarian and documentation if your dog has been spayed or neutered. Licenses can be purchased by mail or in person. Contact city dog licensing at 960-4315, for further information.
Commonly Asked Questions:
Why does the City of
Livermore license dogs?
The State of California requires cities to monitor rabies by having a dog
licensing program. The license fees help to cover the cost of city Animal
Control services. If your dog is lost, a license makes it easier to reconnect
lost animals with their owners.
What do I need in order
to get a dog license?
After your dog is four months old a vaccination must be obtained from a veterinarian.
The rabies vaccine lasts for one year for puppies and three years for adult
dogs. The veterinarian issues a rabies certificate which must be presented
at the time of licensing.
What if a dog isn't
licensed? Are there penalties?
Yes. When an unlicensed stray is picked up a citation is issued to the owner.
The owner must pay a fine, plus the license fee to recover the animal from
the pound. However, if your pet is over 4 months old and has never been licensed,
you may obtain a license without penalty during any of the 4 quarterly licensing
periods.
Do I need to bring
my dog in to get a license?
No. Just bring in the rabies certificate, proof of spay/neuter, and a check
or cash.
Can I get my dog licensed
by mail?
Yes, you can register by mail. Send us the rabies and spay/neuter certificate,
which we will return, and the correct fee.
What about lost dogs?
If your dog is licensed and becomes a "lost dog", animal control
may receive a call from someone who has found the dog, then will identify
it by the tag number. Animal Control also keeps a list of dog licenses and
uses it when strays are found.
City of Livermore Fee Schedule:
| One year license, spay/neutered | $5.50 |
| One year license, non-spayed/neutered | $11.00 |
| Three year license, spayed/neutered | $12.50 |
| Three year license, non-spayed/neutered | $29.50 |
Livermore Renewal Periods:
| Quarter Ending | Delinquent On |
| March 31st | May 1st |
| June 30th | August 1st |
| September 30th | November 1st |
| December 31st | February 1st |
All delinquent payments require a $10.00 penalty!
Useful Phone Numbers:
| Dog License Dept. | 960-4315 |
| Animal Control | 371-4848 |
| County Animal Shelter | 803-7040 |