License Requirements

Licensing Ordinance

Anyone owning a dog, cat, or ferret four months of age or older in Hernando County must have their pet vaccinated against rabies either annually or tri-annually and purchase a license. Wolf hybrids must be licensed annually on a calendar-year basis. The license tag must be worn on the pet’s collar whenever the pet is outside.

View the complete Hernando County ordinance

Due Date

Payment for your license is due within 30 days of the expiration of your current license. If you are licensing for the first time, you must purchase a license when the pet reaches 4 months of age.

License Term

Licenses may be purchased for 1 or 3 years, with fees charged accordingly, as long as the rabies vaccination is valid for the same period of time. Licenses expire on the anniversary date of the vaccination. The license term cannot exceed the rabies expiration date.