The animal license fees and requirements have changed in Alachua County for 2018. There are now only two kinds of animal licenses. A $10 fee for sterilized and microchipped animals, or a $40 for animals either not sterilized or not microchipped. License renewal is 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 is good for the life of pets unless the tag is lost or stolen. In those cases, replacement tags are available from Animal Services for $5.
Licensing of dogs, cats, and ferrets four months of age or older is required in Alachua County. Those relocating to the County with their pets have 30 days to comply. Current rabies vaccination is a prerequisite to licensing. Licenses may be obtained, in conjunction with rabies vaccination, from any of the 27 participating veterinary practices in Alachua County. Rabies vaccination and licenses may also be obtained from the Alachua County Humane Society Vaccine and Wellness Clinic and from Alachua County Animal Services (3400 N.E. 53rd Avenue, Gainesville).
Pet owners can renew licenses at Animal Services, via telephone, or via US Mail. For details on pet renewal options visit the Animal Services Pet License FAQ webpage. Those with existing animal licenses need not renew until their current licenses expire.
“The County Commission approved the Ordinance changes back in July (2017), that include a provision that requires permanent pet identification,” said Animal Services Director Ed Williams. “The Commission recognized that spaying and neutering is the most effective method for reducing shelter animal intake, and community nuisances caused by dogs and cats. They also understand that microchips dramatically increase the chance of reunification of lost pets with their owners. For this reason, a substantial discount off the annual license fee is given to owners of animals that are both sterilized and microchipped.”
Although not required for licensing, all dogs and cats four months of age or older sold, transferred, exchanged, adopted, returned to their owner from a shelter, or given away shall be required to be implanted with a microchip that is registered to the legal owner of the animal. Animal Services offers microchipping for a one-time additional fee of $10.
For more information, contact Alachua County Animal Services at 352-264-6870.