
To obtain a dog license in Contra Costa County, you'll need to provide proof of current rabies vaccination for your dog.
The rabies vaccination must be administered by a licensed veterinarian and must be valid for the entire licensing period.
You can purchase a license online through the County's website or by mail.
To apply by mail, you'll need to download and complete the license application form, which can be found on the County's website.
For more insights, see: Do Dog Groomers Need a License
Required Documents
To purchase a pet license in Contra Costa County, you'll need to have some essential documents ready. A valid rabies proof is required to purchase a pet license.
If you don't have rabies proof at the time of licensing, a 60 day temporary license may be issued.
Licensing Process
To license your dog in Contra Costa County, you'll need to create an account with PetData, a third-party pet licensing provider.
You'll be asked for your zip code and some personal information, as well as the relevant documentation for your pet.
PetData accepts most major credit cards, but be aware that they do charge a transaction fee.
My Pet's Qualification for Service Animal Rate

If your pet qualifies for the service animal rate, you'll need to visit Contra Costa Animal Services in person to verify your designation. You can then renew online in future years.
You'll need to provide proof of spay/neuter for your pet if your community requires it. This will involve uploading the relevant documentation to your online account.
Visit Contra Costa Animal Services in person at 4800 Imhoff Pl, Martinez CA, 94553 if you can't upload the documentation online.
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How to Online
To online license your pet, you'll need to create an account with PetData, a third-party provider used by Contra Costa County.
You'll be asked to enter your zip code and provide some personal information, along with the necessary documents for your pet.
PetData accepts most major credit cards, but be aware that they charge a transaction fee.
You'll need to have your credit card ready when you sign up to cover this fee.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Do You Need a Dog License in Ohio
How to License via Mail
If you need to license your pet via mail, you'll want to submit a copy of the pet's current rabies certificate.
You should also include any other relevant documents, such as vaccination records.
Make the check payable to the correct entity, in this case, Contra Costa Animal Services.
Send the documents and check to the address specified, but be sure to send copies of the documents, not the originals, as they won't be returned to you.
Fees and Requirements
To purchase a Contra Costa County dog license, you'll need to provide some essential documents. A valid rabies proof is required to purchase a license.
If you don't have your rabies proof at the time of licensing, you can still get a 60-day temporary license. This will give you time to gather the necessary documents.
To qualify for the discounted altered rates, you'll need to provide proof of spay/neuter.
Spay/Neuter Certificate
To qualify for the discounted rate, you'll need to upload a spay/neuter certificate to your pet's profile. This document is only needed once and will be saved for future renewals.
The certificate can be in the form of a statement or receipt from the veterinarian, shelter, or clinic that performed the procedure.
Licensing your cat is a great way to ensure their safety, even though it's not required in Contra Costa County. Voluntary cat licenses are available.
Fees in Contra Costa County

If you're a pet owner in Contra Costa County, you're probably wondering how much it will cost to license your furry friend. The fees for pet licenses in Contra Costa County are relatively straightforward.
The standard license type fees are as follows:
If you have a spayed or neutered pet, you're in luck - your first license is free, as long as you can show proof of your age or military status.
Requirements in Contra Costa County
In Contra Costa County, there are specific requirements you need to know about if you're a dog owner. You have until your dog is five months old to get them licensed, or you'll face a fine.
If you've just moved to the county or gotten a new dog, you must license your pet within 30 days. This is a strict deadline, so make sure to mark it on your calendar.
To get a Contra Costa County dog license, you'll need to live outside the city borders of Antioch, as residents there need to get an Antioch dog license instead.

In addition to licensing, there's also a vaccine requirement. According to state law and local county regulations, all dogs that are four months or older must be vaccinated against rabies.
Here's a quick rundown of the licensing requirements:
- License your dog within 30 days of moving to the county or getting a new dog.
- Get your dog licensed by the time they're five months old to avoid a fine.
- Get an Antioch dog license if you live inside the city borders of Antioch.
- Vaccinate your dog against rabies by the time they're four months old.
License Renewal
Your pet's license will expire at the end of the license term selected, unless their rabies vaccination expires first. A license cannot be valid if a pet's rabies is expired.
To renew your pet's license, you must pay for the new license within one month of the expiration of your current license. This is a standard rule, and it's essential to stay on top of it to avoid any issues.
If you're getting a pet for the first time or relocating to Contra Costa County, you must purchase a license within 30 days of getting a pet older than 3 months or relocating. Failure to do so will result in a late fee of $20.
Pet License Expiration Date
Your pet's license expiration date is tied to the rabies vaccination expiration date. If your pet's current rabies vaccination expires before the end of the license term, the license will expire on the same date.
Licenses expire at the end of the license term selected, unless the rabies vaccination expiration date falls prior to the end of the term.
When Do I Need to Renew My Pet's License?
You need to renew your pet's license within one month of the expiration of your current license. This is to ensure your pet remains up-to-date and compliant with local regulations.
If you're getting a pet for the first time, you must purchase a license within 30 days of getting a pet that's older than 3 months. This is a one-time requirement, not a recurring one.
If you're relocating to Contra Costa County, you must also get a license within 30 days of moving. This applies to all pet owners, regardless of whether you're new to the area or not.
If you don't purchase your license by the due date, you'll be charged a late fee of $20. This is a small price to pay for avoiding fines and ensuring your pet's well-being.
License Term Length

Pet licenses in Contra Costa county are valid for either one, two, or three years, depending on when your dog's rabies vaccination expires.
If you're afraid you'll forget to renew your license, there's an easy solution.
In Contra Costa county, pet licenses are not a one-time hassle, but rather a process that requires renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you don't register your dog in California?
In California, failing to register your dog can result in a fine. A dog license must be renewed annually and displayed on the dog at all times.
Sources
- https://ccas.docupet.com/en_US/licensing
- https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/2678/Fees-and-Services
- https://contracosta.news/2024/05/30/contra-costa-animal-services-offers-june-license-amnesty-program/
- https://www.sanpabloca.gov/980/Animal-Services-Pests
- https://donotpay.com/learn/contra-costa-county-pet-license/
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