Not all cities in Orange County are serviced by OC Animal Care. Dog licenses for residents in cities not served by OC Animal Care must be obtained from their city's animal control agency. (see area shelter list)
| Anaheim | Orange |
| Brea | Placentia |
| Cypress | Rancho Santa Margarita |
| Fountain Valley | San Juan Capistrano |
| Fullerton | Stanton |
| Garden Grove | Tustin |
| Huntington Beach | Villa Park |
| Laguna Hills | Yorba Linda |
| Lake Forest | Unincorporated County Areas |
All dogs in Orange County over the age of four (4) months are required by law to be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. Residents owning or having custody of any dog must license the dog within fifteen (15) days of acquisition or within fifteen (15) days after the license becomes due. Residents must provide proof of a California approved rabies vaccination to obtain a license (OCCO 4-1-70).
Cat licensing is optional and available through OC Animal Care.
Licensing your dog provides necessary information to support investigations of cruelty, neglect, abandonment and dog bites. Licensing also indicates ownership of a dog. If your dog is found, OC Animal Care will call and send you a letter. You can also license your animal online.
License fees
Discounted license fees are offered to owners of sterilized dogs that provide a proof of sterility certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian.
Senior citizen discount fees are offered with proof of sterility certificate and a copy of any document showing the birth date of the person (i.e. Driver's License, California ID or birth certificate). Only one (1) senior citizen license discount allowed per household.
Licenses are provided free of charge for assistance dogs. Please contact OC Animal Care for additional information.
All licenses must be renewed annually.
| Unsterilized dog | 12 | $100.00 |
| Sterilized dog | 12 | $24.00 |
| Puppy - for dogs 6 months or younger | 12 | $24.00 |
| Unsterilized dog (Senior owner 65 years and up) | 12 | $100.00 |
| Sterilized dog (Senior owner 65 years and up, one discount per household) | 12 | $12.00 |
| Late fee - per dog | | $41.00 |
| Non-compliance | | $75.00 |
| Unsterilized cat | 12 | $6.00 |
| Sterilized cat | 12 | $6.00 |
| Replacement tag | | $2.50 |
| Impound fee - 1st offense | $90.00 |
| Impound fee - 2nd offense | $135.00 |
| Impound fee - 3rd offense | $202.50 |
| Daily feed and care | $27.00 |
| Vaccinations for dogs (estimate) | $19.00 |
| Vaccinations for cats (estimate) | $13.50 |
To encourage sterilization as a means to control pet overpopulation, OC Animal Care instituted state-mandated fines on January 1, 2000 for impounding unsterilized dogs:
| 1st occurrence | $35.00 |
| 2nd occurrence | $50.00 |
| 3rd occurrence | $100.00 |
Pet Licensing Form
Print an Application
To obtain your pet's license mail the application to:
OC Animal Care, Licensing Department
561 The City Drive South
Orange CA 92868
Transfer ownership of your pet. Please follow all instructions provided.
Enclose with the application
- Applicable Fees (payable with check or money order to: OC Animal Care)
- Proof of Sterility (if applicable)
- Rabies Vaccination Certificate (Note: Veterinary receipts for vaccination will not be accepted as proof of vaccination and will delay the license application process)
- Proof of age for senior citizens (if applicable)
Low-Cost Vaccination Clinics
OC Animal Care hosts a low cost vaccination clinic at the shelter the first Tuesday of every month.
***IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ***
In order for the Veterinarian to issue a 3 year rabies vaccination to your pet, you must bring proof of prior rabies shots with you to the clinic. Without this information, your pet will only receive a rabies vaccination that is good for 1 year only. Examples of approved documentation include:
· Current/Expired Rabies Vaccination certificate
· Vaccine records from your Veterinarian
· Renewal notice or license certificate with prior rabies information included
