Alachua County Animal License

Who needs an Alachua County animal license?
Who needs an Alachua County animal license?
Licensing of dogs, cats, and ferrets four months of age or older is required in Alachua County.  Those relocating to our community with their pets have 30 days to comply.  A tag or license from another county does not fulfill the Alachua County licensing requirements.

Additionally, all dogs and cats must wear their license tag at all times except during recognized sporting or exhibition events.

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Why do I need a license?
Why do I need a license?
A license is proof that your pet is registered with Alachua County and is mandated by Chapter 72 of the Alachua County Code.  The license tag acts as identification if your pet is ever lost, and it serves as proof that your pet is currently vaccinated against rabies.  If a lost pet comes to Alachua County Animal Resources wearing a currently registered license tag, they are held for longer than the usual three business days while we try to make contact with the owner.

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What do I need to get my pet licensed?
What do I need to get my pet licensed?

Current rabies vaccination is a prerequisite to licensing.  Licenses may be obtained, in conjunction with rabies vaccination, from any of the 13 participating veterinary practices in Alachua County. Rabies vaccination and/or licenses may also be obtained from Animal Resources at 3400 NE 53rd Avenue in Gainesville (Tu-Fr 10:30am-2:00pm).

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How do I apply in person?
How do I apply in person?

If your pet has already been properly vaccinated against rabies, simply bring your rabies vaccination certificate with you to Alachua County Animal Resources and pay the annual licensing fee.  You will receive your pet license and tag at that time.  Our shelter is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30am to 5:30pm.

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How do I apply by fax?
How do I apply by fax?

You may also fax a copy of your current rabies vaccination certificate to Alachua County Animal Resources.  Our fax number is 352-955-2542.  Please include a contact number so that we may call you and receive payment over the telephone.  We accept Visa and MasterCard.  With processing it usually takes about 2-3 weeks to receive your license tag through the US Mail.   

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How do I apply by mail?
How do I apply by mail?

You may also mail a copy of your current rabies vaccination certificate to Alachua County Animal Resources along with a check or money order for the annual licensing fee.  Please do not send cash through the mail.  Our mailing address is 3400 NE 53rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609, Attn: Licensing.  Please include a contact number so that we may call you if there are any questions or if your pet is ever found and brought to Animal Resources.  With processing it usually takes about 2-3 weeks to receive your license tag through the US Mail. 

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How do I apply by email?
How do I apply by email?
You may also email a copy of your current rabies vaccination certificate to Animal Resources. Our email is acas@alachuacounty.us. Please include a contact number so that we may call you and receive payment over the telephone. We accept Visa and MasterCard. With processing it usually takes about 2-3 weeks to receive your license tag through the US Mail.​
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What is the cost?
What is the cost?

Beginning in 2018 there will simply be two kinds of animal licenses in Alachua County – sterilized and microchipped or not sterilized and/or microchipped.  The fees for each are $10 and $40 respectively, and renewal will be on an annual basis regardless of whether one-year or three-year rabies vaccines are administered.  The new license tags come with a six digit number that will be good for the life of your pet unless the tag is lost or stolen.  In those cases replacement tags are available from Animal Services for a small fee.

Those with existing Alachua County animal licenses need not renew until their current licenses expire​​.  

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Why does it cost more if my pet is not sterilized and microchipped?
Why does it cost more if my pet is not sterilized and microchipped?

Because Alachua County recognizes that spaying and neutering is the most effective method for reducing shelter animal intake and community nuisances caused by dogs and cats, and tha​t microchips dramatically increase the chance of reunification of lost pets with their owners, a substantial discount off the annual license fee will be afforded to owners of animals that are both sterilized and microchipped.

Animal Resources offers microchipping as a service to the public for only $20 per animal. 

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My pet is too sick to be vaccinated. Do I still need a license?
My pet is too sick to be vaccinated. Do I still need a license?

Yes, even if your pet cannot be vaccinated, they are still required to be licensed.  You will need to bring a written statement from your veterinarian exempting your animal from the rabies vaccination prerequisite.  You may then purchase a license over the counter at Animal Resources.  Medical exemptions are only good for one year.

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I'm a seasonal resident or a student. Do I still need a license?
I'm a seasonal resident or a student. Do I still need a license?

Yes, if you reside in Alachua County with your pet for more than 30 days, you are required to register your pet with Alachua County as mandated by Chapter 72 of the Alachua County Code.  A tag or license from another county does not fulfill the Alachua County licensing requirements. ​   

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What if I lose my license tag?
What if I lose my license tag?

As long as the rabies vaccination is still current, you can purchase a replacement tag through Alachua County Animal Resources.  A replacement tag is only $5 and, beginning in 2018, will remain current for one year after the date the original license was issued.

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What if I sell or give my pet away?
What if I sell or give my pet away?

​If you sell or give away your pet, the new owner will need to license the pet in their name. Licenses are not transferrable between owners. Additionally, the previous owner is resonsible for making sure that the pet's microchip is transferred into the new owner's name.

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