License Requirements

Licensing Ordinance

Anyone owning a dog or cat four months of age or older in the City of Houston must have their pet vaccinated against rabies either annually or tri-annually. A city license must be purchased annually.

Read Animal Regulations in Houston

View the City of Houston ordinance

Due Date

Payment for your license is due within 30 days of your pet’s rabies vaccination date or the expiration of your previous license. If you are licensing for the first time, you must purchase a license when the pet reaches 4 months of age or within 30 days of moving into the City or owning the pet.

A late fee of $10 is charged if your license has not been purchased within 30 days of the vaccination date, previous license expiration date, or if you have not completed a license in the past year.

License Term

By ordinance, licenses are valid for one year from the date of the rabies vaccination or the anniversary of the vaccination date. A license cannot be valid for a longer period than the current rabies vaccination.