Dog License RenewalAnimal Control
740 Fuller Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 632-7300
Fax: (616) 632-7374
Service Hours:
Monday - Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Licensing Information
Dog License Fees
Michigan law requires that all dogs four months of age or older be licensed (Michigan law recently changed, lowering the minimum licensing age to 4 months.) Dog licenses are available beginning December 1 of each year for the next year (dog licenses for the year 2008 went on sale December 1, 2007) and are available through March 1. After March 1, the cost of a dog license doubles. Dog licenses are discounted for senior citizens, and if your dog has been spayed or neutered. (see fees below.) You must present a valid certificate of rabies vaccination for your dog(s) in order to receive a license.
Why Should You License Your Dog?
Licensing your dog is an important way to show you care for your pet. Dogs which are licensed are guaranteed to be free of rabies. Additionally, your dog's license number allows you to be identified and notified if your dog should stray and be picked up by Animal Control Officers. Licensed dogs are held longer in the Animal Shelter if they are picked up stray. By licensing your dog on time, you pay the lowest possible licensing fees, and avoid potential fines for failing to license your dog. Finally, you should license your dog because it is the law.
How to Get a Dog License
- In person: At the Kent County Animal Shelter or the Kent County Health Department (Environmental Health Division, 740 Fuller NE) City and Township offices in Kent County also sell dog licenses until March 1.
- By mail: Send a check or money order (no cash please) for the proper amount, (See fees below) your pet's current certificate of rabies vaccination, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Kent County Animal Shelter, 740 Fuller Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Rabies certificates will be returned with the new license.
Dog License Fees
After March 1, all fees double.
Male or Female dogs:
- Neutered - $9.00
- Nonneutered - $20.00
Senior Owners:
- Neutered - $5.00
- Nonneutered - $8.00
*Dogs over four months of age are required to be licensed and vaccinated for rabies. However, because your puppy may not yet be four months old during the regular licensing period of December 1 to March 1, you can purchase a license at the regular rate when your dog reaches four months of age. You should buy a license for your dog as soon as possible after it reaches four months of age and has been vaccinated for rabies. All fees double if you wait until your puppy is over 5 months old to obtain a license.
Remember - A License tag on your dog will:
- Help get it home safely, if lost.
- Reduce the chance of theft.
- Show that your dog is vaccinated against rabies.
- Spare you from a $50 violation.
