San Mateo County, California Not your city or county?

Licensing Information

License Fees

License Fees Effective 4/1/24

Dog License Fees 1-Year   3-Year
Unaltered Dog $55.00   $160.00
Spayed/Neutered Dog $25.00   $70.00
Senior Discount (60+) 1-Year   3-Year
Unaltered Dog $23.00   $64.00
Spayed/Neutered Dog $10.00   $25.00
Other Fees  
Late Fee (30 days past lic. expire) $20.00
Replacement Tag $10.00
A license is required for all dogs in the County.

Cat License Fees 1-Year   3-Year
Unaltered Cat $20.00   $55.00
Spayed/Neutered Cat $8.00   $19.00
Senior Discount (60+) 1-Year   3-Year
Unaltered Cat $12.00   $31.00
Spayed/Neutered Cat $5.00   $12.00
Other Fees  
Late Fee (30 days past lic. expire) $7.00
Replacement Tag $5.00
Cats in all cities as well as unincorporated County are required to be licensed.

In an effort to reduce pet overpopulation and starvation, licensing unaltered pets is higher.  In addition, the County includes a $1 surcharge in all licensing fees.  This surcharge is placed in the Animal Population Trust Fund used to assist pet owners with their pet’s sterilization fees.

Required Paperwork

  1. A current rabies vaccination certificate is required if the rabies vaccination on file has expired. Please check your certificate to make sure that your address is correct and your pet’s description is correct and complete. A primary breed should always be included, even if the animal is a mixed breed.
  2. Proof of spay/neuter, such as a signed statement from a veterinarian or an invoice for services, is required if the pet has been altered since the last licensing period and you are applying for the lower spayed/neutered license fee.
  3. Proof of age, such as a copy of any document listing the owner’s name and date of birth. Please feel free to mark out any sensitive information, such as ID numbers, on the copy before submission.

Note: Please send legible copies of your paperwork and maintain a copy for your records.

Mailing Address

Please mail all required paperwork, along with your check or money order payable to "San Mateo County Animal Licensing" to the address below. Please do not send cash.

San Mateo County Animal Licensing
c/o PetData
PO Box 141929
Irving, TX 75014-1929

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