License Requirements

Licensing Ordinance

All dogs 4 months of age and older must be licensed with Albemarle County within 30 days of being in the County.

View the complete Albemarle County ordinance

Due Date

Payment for your license is due on January 31st. If you are licensing for the first time, you must purchase a license within 30 days of obtaining a pet over the age of 4 months or within 30 days of moving into Albemarle County.

License Term

Licenses expire on December 31st, and must be renewed by January 31st. The rabies vaccination must be current as of the date of purchase for a one-year license. Multi-year licenses are available based on the remaining term of the dog’s current rabies vaccination. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires three years from the current year or later, you can purchase a three-year license. If it expires two years from the current year, then a two-year license can be purchased.