County Pet Licenses / Tags
In Pinellas County, it is required by law that pet owners obtain a license for their cats and dogs.
Each dog and cat over the age of four months must receive rabies vaccinations or an exemption letter from your veterinarian to obtain a pet license. Once you obtain a rabies certificate or exemption letter from your vet, you can either bring the form to Pinellas County Animal Services or send it by mail and a license will be issued during regular business hours.
County license tags are valid throughout a pet’s lifetime. Similar to a resident’s Social Security number, your pet’s license tag number is their permanent number.
License Renewal
| Fee Schedule for Licenses: | |
| 1-Year | $22 |
| 3-Year | $44 |
Although a license number is permanently associated with your pet, your pet license expires on your pet’s rabies vaccination expiration date. Animal Services sends out renewal notices to all pet owners for renewal of their pet’s license before the rabies vaccination expiration date.
Three-year rabies vaccines are recommended.
- Rabies Vaccinations are available at Animal Services on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m., by appointment only.
- Ferrets must also obtain a rabies shot, but are not required to be licensed.
If your pet is deceased or no longer owned by you, you may email us at AnimalLicensing@Pinellas.gov. If you believe your animal’s license is current, please submit your documentation via email to the same address, AnimalLicensing@Pinellas.gov.
Get a Pet License Through Your Vet
Animal Services strongly encourages every pet owner to establish a relationship with a veterinarian. This relationship is essential for your pet’s health and longevity and is an important component of responsible pet ownership. To get a current listing of License Resellers in Pinellas County, please contact the shelter.
Misplaced or Lost License Tags
If a license tag is misplaced or lost, a resident can receive a replacement tag with the same tag number at Animal Services. Requests can be made in person or via regular mail. The replacement cost is $5.
Guard Dog Permit
Guard dogs (Sec. 14-62. Guard dogs) are any type of dog used primarily for the purpose of defending, patrolling or protecting property or life at any commercial establishment. Please contact our office at (727) 582-2600 for more information on obtaining a guard dog permit.
Become a License Reseller
Help keep pets safe and improve your client’s experience by providing a one-stop process for vaccination and licensing. Contact Animal Services to learn more about how to become a license reseller.