Alachua County Animal License

​​NEW — Alachua County pet license tags have gone digital and now offer a range of optional free features, including online pet information storage. Fees are now $25 per pet annually and can be ordered online at www.petdata.com/for-pet-owners/alc/license-online.

View more frequently asked questions below.

License your pet online, by mail, or in person. Visit petdata.com/alachuaco for more information.  
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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 participating veterinary practices in Alachua County. Rabies vaccinations with licenses can be obtained from Animal Resources at 3400 NE 53rd Avenue in Gainesville (Tu-Fr 2:00pm-4:00pm). We can only issue license in person at the shelter in conjunction with a rabies vaccine.​

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How do I apply for a license?
How do I apply for a license?

You may apply for a license online at www.petdata.com/for-pet-owners/alc/license-online. There is a $2 convenience fee for applying online.

You may also license by mail. To license by mail, you can mail a copy of your pet’s current rabies certificate and any other applicable documentation along with a check payable to “Alachua County Animal Resources Licensing” to:

Alachua County Animal Licensing
C/O PetData
PO Box 141929
Irving, TX 75014

You may also license in person at participating veterinary locations.

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What is the cost?
What is the cost?

License fees for cats, dogs, and ferrets are $25 for a 1-year license. Alachua County pet licenses are valid for one year from the date of rabies vaccination and will expire on the anniversary of the rabies vaccination.

You may license your pet online for an additional $2 convenience fee, or license your pet by mail. To license by mail, send a copy of the pet's current rabies certificate and any other applicable documentation along with a check payable to "Alachua County Animal Resources Licensing” to:

Alachua County Animal Licensing
C/O PetData
PO Box 141929
Irving, TX 75014

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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 online​.  A replacement tag is only $5 and 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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