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.
To view your city's licensing fees, please click here.
*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). Multiple discounts are allowed per household; however more than three must apply for an animal permit if allowed in their jurisdiction. All licenses must be renewed annually.
Each contract city within the County has different zoning requirements regarding the number of animals it allows per property. The majority of our contract cities and unincorporated county areas require you to obtain an Animal Permit from OC Animal Care for properties that keep or maintain more than three cats and/or three dogs. Some contract cities have zoning requirements that do not allow for Animal Permits in their city. It is your responsibility to be familiar with your city’s zoning requirements. You can obtain more information on the animal permitting process by visiting our Animal Permits page or by checking directly with your city.
All dogs in Orange County over the age of four 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 15 days of acquisition or within 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. For more information on licensing, please call 714-935-6848.