San Mateo County, California Not your city or county?

License Requirements

Licensing Ordinance

All dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed by the age of 3 months or within 60 days of acquiring the animal.

View the complete San Mateo County ordinance

Due Date

Your license is due on the first of the month in which your license expires. There is a grace period of 30 days in which to make payment for your pet’s license.

By ordinance, a late fee is added if payment is not made within 30 days of the due date.

License Term

A license year begins the month your pet is vaccinated for rabies and ends the same month of the next calendar year or the month a new rabies vaccination is given, whichever comes first. For example, if a rabies shot is given in the month of April, the license year would be from April to April. But if a new rabies vaccination is given in March, the license would expire in March. A license may not always be a 12 month period. It is easiest and most cost-effective to vaccinate and license your animal during the same month each time the rabies vaccine and license are due.

If your pet receives a three-year rabies vaccination, a three-year license may be purchased. Please note that by state law, a license may not be valid beyond the expiration of the rabies vaccination.

Zip Search

Enter your zip code to get started.