Pet Licensing

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By law, dogs and cats over 4 months of age must wear current rabies and pet license tags. It can save your pet's life. An immediately visible license tag on your pet's collar is the fastest way to be reunited with your lost pet and is only issued with proof of regular vaccination against the deadly rabies virus. The rabies tag issued by your veterinarian is not your county license.

How do I obtain a County License?

Residents of the municipalities of Rockville City and Gaithersburg City must license their pets with their respective municipality.  For pet licensing information, Rockville City residents should call 240-314-8937 and Gaithersburg City residents should call 301-258-6343.

For Montgomery County residents, there are 3 different ways to obtain a pet license. If you have received a notice to comply from an Animal Services Officer, you must come in person with your notice to the shelter to obtain your pet license.

If your dog or cat is allergic to the rabies vaccine, per your veterinarian, an exemption is required. An exemption request must be submitted and is considered by the State Veterinarian on a case by case basis. If approved, you would bring that document to MCASAC to purchase your County Pet License. In any event, a Pet License is required and a rabies vaccination certificate or an exemption certificate must be provided.  For more information, click here.

We also offer free Rabies Vaccination Clincs several times throughout the year. All rabies vaccinations are free for county residents with the purchase of a pet license.

Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic - 2020 Schedule:

WHEN:

Sunday, April 19- CANCELLED due to COVID-19

Sunday, May 17 - CANCELLED due to COVID-19

Sunday, June 14 - CANCELLED due to COVID-19

Sunday, July 19

Sunday, August 16

Sunday, September 20 (final clinic of the year)

*Weather Permitting- Clinics will not be held if it is raining*

TIME:

Clinics begin at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE:

All clinics are conducted at the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center located at 7315 Muncaster Mill Rd., Derwood, MD.  Parking is limited.

INFORMATION:

• Rabies vaccinations are FREE for dogs and cats with the purchase of a Montgomey County pet license
• Pet licenses for residents of Montgomery County, City of Rockville, and City of Gaithersburg also sold at the clinics
• $10.00 microchipping services are also offered at clinics
• All pets must be brought to the clinic by a responsible adult
• Dogs must be secured on a leash & cats and ferrets must be secured in a carrier
• $10 fee for vaccination of ferrets
• $10 fee for vaccination of pets owned by non-county residents
• Make checks or money orders payable to “Montgomery County”

LICENSING FEES:

• Dog/cat under one year of age – FREE but you still must obtain a license for your pet. The rabies certificate must indicate the pet is under one year old
• Altered dog/cat over one year of age – $12 1 yr / $24 2yr / $32 3yr
• Unaltered dog/cat over one year of age – $25 1 yr / $50 2yr / $75 3yr**
• Replacement license tag (not a duplicate tag) - $1

** Note for Unaltered Pet Owners:

• If your unaltered pet received a 1-year rabies vaccination, you must purchase a 1-year pet license.
• If your unaltered pet received a 3-year rabies vaccination, you must purchase a 3-year pet license. Sending in a 1-year license fee with a 3-year rabies vaccination will result in your application being returned for correct payment.