Why License

In accordance with state and local laws, pet licenses are mandatory in the cities that San Diego Humane Society serves. In fact, licenses are mandatory in nearly every community across North America. Why? Because licenses help keep pets and the communities they live in safe. DocuPet was brought on board to simplify and improve pet licensing to benefit not only pet owners like you, but the entire community. DocuPet makes it easy for the San Diego Humane Society to deliver a successful pet licensing program with a streamlined software and management solution that makes licensing a breeze for pet owners and administrators alike.

Check out the ways you can license your pet below and feel good knowing that 100% of licensing revenue funds are given to the San Diego Humane Society to support important animal welfare initiatives helping to improve your community.

What will you need?

Licensing your pet will require specific information and proof. Having these items at the ready allows for the fastest experience. You have the option to upload a document as a saved or scanned file, or you may take a photo directly from your device on our upload page.

Payment

We securely process payment online and accept all major credit and debit cards as forms of payment.

Documents

Document

Rabies vaccination proof

This document serves as a formal proof that your pet has received a California approved rabies vaccine. A valid Rabies Certificate holds the following information:

  1. Owners Information
  2. Dogs Information
  3. Bottle Serial/LOT Number, Expiration date, Product used, and Manufacturer
  4. Vet Information, Clinic, License number and signature

Invoices, Sticker Books and Titers are not accepted.

How to License

Online

The fastest and easiest way to license or renew is right here. You'll create a profile for your pet, upload any necessary documents, process your license registration, and receive purchase confirmations via email. Payment can be made using a credit card or Visa/Mastercard debit card. Each year, you just need to log in to your existing account and renew - it's super easy!

Renew my pet's license

My pet has a license, but it has expired or will very soon.

Renew now

License a pet for the first time

I've never licensed a pet with San Diego Humane Society before.

License now

In-person

In person licensing is available at the following location(s) however it's important to know you will still receive your tag in the mail:

Don't forget to check hours of operation, appointment policies, and accepted payment methods prior to heading out.

Mail

If you opt to license via snail mail - keep in mind processing your registration will take a lot longer!

Make sure you complete the below form in full and that it is free of any errors otherwise your registration may not be successfully processed. The fine print is there for a reason so keep an eye out for accepted payment methods, who the check should be made out to, where it should be mailed, and any required supporting documentation.

Dog license form

Download Application Form

Phone

If you're having trouble licensing online and need to get your registration processed in a hurry, you can contact our customer care team and they may be able to process your pet license over the phone. Note that you must have up to date spay/neuter or rabies documents on file and we can only accept credit cards and Visa/Mastercard debit as payment.

DocuPet Customer Care: 1-877-239-6072
Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday (excluding holidays) from 6:00am-6:00pm PST

License Fees

San Diego Humane Society is contracted to issue licenses in the following communities

Select your community to see details and fees

  • Carlsbad
  • Del Mar
  • El Cajon
  • Encinitas
  • Escondido
  • La Mesa
  • Oceanside
  • Poway
  • San Diego
  • San Marcos
  • Santee
  • Solana Beach
  • Vista
Carlsbad

Carlsbad Details & Fees

Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in the City of Carlsbad. Licenses are available for 1, 2, or 3 year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Dog Licenses 1 Year Fee 2 Year Fee 3 Year Fee
Altered Dog $20.00 $35.00 $50.00
Unaltered Dog $50.00 $90.00 $140.00
Altered Dog
1 Year Fee $20.00
2 Year Fee $35.00
3 Year Fee $50.00
Unaltered Dog
1 Year Fee $50.00
2 Year Fee $90.00
3 Year Fee $140.00
  • A replacement City of Carlsbad tag is available for a $15 fee or at no additional charge when you license your pet.
  • A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
  • All licenses expire the day they were purchased, 1, 2, or 3 years in the future depending on the term of the license purchased, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
  • Service animal licenses are available for $0.00. When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
  • A late fee of $25 will apply 90 days following license expiration.
  • Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.
Del Mar

Del Mar Details & Fees

Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in the City of Del Mar. Licenses are available for 1, 2, or 3 year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Dog Licenses 1 Year Fee 2 Year Fee 3 Year Fee
Altered Dog $20.00 $35.00 $50.00
Unaltered Dog $50.00 $90.00 $140.00
Altered Dog
1 Year Fee $20.00
2 Year Fee $35.00
3 Year Fee $50.00
Unaltered Dog
1 Year Fee $50.00
2 Year Fee $90.00
3 Year Fee $140.00
  • A replacement City of Del Mar tag is available for a $15 fee or at no additional charge when you license your pet.
  • A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
  • All licenses expire the day they were purchased, 1, 2, or 3 years in the future depending on the term of the license purchased, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
  • Service animal licenses are available for $0.00. When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
  • A late fee of $25 will apply 90 days following license expiration.
  • Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.
El Cajon

El Cajon Details & Fees

Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in the City of El Cajon. Licenses are available for 1, 2, or 3 year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Dog Licenses 1 Year Fee 2 Year Fee 3 Year Fee
Altered Dog $20.00 $35.00 $50.00
Unaltered Dog $50.00 $90.00 $140.00
Altered Dog
1 Year Fee $20.00
2 Year Fee $35.00
3 Year Fee $50.00
Unaltered Dog
1 Year Fee $50.00
2 Year Fee $90.00
3 Year Fee $140.00
  • A replacement City of El Cajon tag is available for a $15 fee or at no additional charge when you license your pet.
  • A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
  • All licenses expire the day they were purchased, 1, 2, or 3 years in the future depending on the term of the license purchased, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
  • Service animal licenses are available for $0.00. When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
  • A late fee of $25 will apply 90 days following license expiration.
  • Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.
Encinitas

Encinitas Details & Fees

Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in the City of Encinitas. Licenses are available for 1, 2, or 3 year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Dog Licenses 1 Year Fee 2 Year Fee 3 Year Fee
Altered Dog $20.00 $35.00 $50.00
Unaltered Dog $50.00 $90.00 $140.00
Altered Dog
1 Year Fee $20.00
2 Year Fee $35.00
3 Year Fee $50.00
Unaltered Dog
1 Year Fee $50.00
2 Year Fee $90.00
3 Year Fee $140.00
  • A replacement City of Encinitas tag is available for a $15 fee or at no additional charge when you license your pet.
  • A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
  • All licenses expire the day they were purchased, 1, 2, or 3 years in the future depending on the term of the license purchased, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
  • Service animal licenses are available for $0.00. When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
  • A late fee of $25 will apply 90 days following license expiration.
  • Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.
Escondido

Escondido Details & Fees

Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in the City of Escondido. Licenses are available for 1, 2, or 3 year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Dog Licenses 1 Year Fee 2 Year Fee 3 Year Fee
Altered Dog $20.00 $35.00 $50.00
Unaltered Dog $50.00 $90.00 $140.00
Altered Dog
1 Year Fee $20.00
2 Year Fee $35.00
3 Year Fee $50.00
Unaltered Dog
1 Year Fee $50.00
2 Year Fee $90.00
3 Year Fee $140.00
  • A replacement City of Escondido tag is available for a $15 fee or at no additional charge when you license your pet.
  • A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
  • All licenses expire the day they were purchased, 1, 2, or 3 years in the future depending on the term of the license purchased, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
  • Service animal licenses are available for $0.00. When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
  • A late fee of $25 will apply 90 days following license expiration.
  • Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.
La Mesa

La Mesa Details & Fees

Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in the City of La Mesa. Licenses are available for 1, 2, or 3 year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Dog Licenses 1 Year Fee 2 Year Fee 3 Year Fee
Altered Dog $20.00 $35.00 $50.00
Unaltered Dog $50.00 $90.00 $140.00
Altered Dog
1 Year Fee $20.00
2 Year Fee $35.00
3 Year Fee $50.00
Unaltered Dog
1 Year Fee $50.00
2 Year Fee $90.00
3 Year Fee $140.00
  • A replacement City of La Mesa tag is available for a $15 fee or at no additional charge when you license your pet.
  • A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
  • All licenses expire the day they were purchased, 1, 2, or 3 years in the future depending on the term of the license purchased, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
  • Service animal licenses are available for $0.00. When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
  • A late fee of $25 will apply 90 days following license expiration.
  • Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.
Oceanside

Oceanside Details & Fees

Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in the City of Oceanside. Licenses are available for 1, 2, or 3 year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Dog Licenses 1 Year Fee 2 Year Fee 3 Year Fee
Altered Dog $20.00 $35.00 $50.00
Unaltered Dog $50.00 $90.00 $140.00
Altered Dog
1 Year Fee $20.00
2 Year Fee $35.00
3 Year Fee $50.00
Unaltered Dog
1 Year Fee $50.00
2 Year Fee $90.00
3 Year Fee $140.00
  • A replacement City of Oceanside tag is available for a $15 fee or at no additional charge when you license your pet.
  • A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
  • All licenses expire the day they were purchased, 1, 2, or 3 years in the future depending on the term of the license purchased, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
  • Service animal licenses are available for $0.00. When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
  • A late fee of $25 will apply 90 days following license expiration.
  • Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.
Poway

Poway Details & Fees

Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in the City of Poway. Licenses are available for 1, 2, or 3 year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Dog Licenses 1 Year Fee 2 Year Fee 3 Year Fee
Altered Dog $20.00 $35.00 $50.00
Unaltered Dog $50.00 $90.00 $140.00
Altered Dog
1 Year Fee $20.00
2 Year Fee $35.00
3 Year Fee $50.00
Unaltered Dog
1 Year Fee $50.00
2 Year Fee $90.00
3 Year Fee $140.00
  • A replacement City of Poway tag is available for a $15 fee or at no additional charge when you license your pet.
  • A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
  • All licenses expire the day they were purchased, 1, 2, or 3 years in the future depending on the term of the license purchased, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
  • Service animal licenses are available for $0.00. When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
  • A late fee of $25 will apply 90 days following license expiration.
  • Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.
San Diego

City of San Diego Details & Fees

Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in the City of San Diego. Licenses are available for 1, 2, or 3 year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Dog Licenses 1 Year Fee 2 Year Fee 3 Year Fee
Altered Dog $20.00 $35.00 $50.00
Unaltered Dog $50.00 $90.00 $140.00
Altered Dog
1 Year Fee $20.00
2 Year Fee $35.00
3 Year Fee $50.00
Unaltered Dog
1 Year Fee $50.00
2 Year Fee $90.00
3 Year Fee $140.00
  • A replacement City of San Diego tag is available for a $15 fee or at no additional charge when you license your pet.
  • A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
  • All licenses expire the day they were purchased, 1, 2, or 3 years in the future depending on the term of the license purchased, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
  • Service animal licenses are available for $0.00. When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
  • A late fee of $25 will apply 90 days following license expiration.
  • Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.
San Marcos

San Marcos Details & Fees

Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in the City of San Marcos. Licenses are available for 1, 2, or 3 year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Dog Licenses 1 Year Fee 2 Year Fee 3 Year Fee
Altered Dog $20.00 $35.00 $50.00
Unaltered Dog $50.00 $90.00 $140.00
Altered Dog
1 Year Fee $20.00
2 Year Fee $35.00
3 Year Fee $50.00
Unaltered Dog
1 Year Fee $50.00
2 Year Fee $90.00
3 Year Fee $140.00
  • A replacement City of San Marcos tag is available for a $15 fee or at no additional charge when you license your pet.
  • A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
  • All licenses expire the day they were purchased, 1, 2, or 3 years in the future depending on the term of the license purchased, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
  • Service animal licenses are available for $0.00. When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
  • A late fee of $25 will apply 90 days following license expiration.
  • Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.
Santee

Santee Details & Fees

Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in the City of Santee. Licenses are available for 1, 2, or 3 year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Dog Licenses 1 Year Fee 2 Year Fee 3 Year Fee
Altered Dog $20.00 $35.00 $50.00
Unaltered Dog $50.00 $90.00 $140.00
Altered Dog
1 Year Fee $20.00
2 Year Fee $35.00
3 Year Fee $50.00
Unaltered Dog
1 Year Fee $50.00
2 Year Fee $90.00
3 Year Fee $140.00
  • A replacement City of Santee tag is available for a $15 fee or at no additional charge when you license your pet.
  • A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
  • All licenses expire the day they were purchased, 1, 2, or 3 years in the future depending on the term of the license purchased, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
  • Service animal licenses are available for $0.00. When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
  • A late fee of $25 will apply 90 days following license expiration.
  • Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.
Solana Beach

Solana Beach Details & Fees

Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in the City of Solana Beach. Licenses are available for 1, 2, or 3 year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Dog Licenses 1 Year Fee 2 Year Fee 3 Year Fee
Altered Dog $20.00 $35.00 $50.00
Unaltered Dog $50.00 $90.00 $140.00
Altered Dog
1 Year Fee $20.00
2 Year Fee $35.00
3 Year Fee $50.00
Unaltered Dog
1 Year Fee $50.00
2 Year Fee $90.00
3 Year Fee $140.00
  • A replacement City of Solana Beach tag is available for a $15 fee or at no additional charge when you license your pet.
  • A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
  • All licenses expire the day they were purchased, 1, 2, or 3 years in the future depending on the term of the license purchased, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
  • Service animal licenses are available for $0.00. When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
  • A late fee of $25 will apply 90 days following license expiration.
  • Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.
Vista

Vista Details & Fees

Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in the City of Vista. Licenses are available for 1, 2, or 3 year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Dog Licenses 1 Year Fee 2 Year Fee 3 Year Fee
Altered Dog $20.00 $35.00 $50.00
Unaltered Dog $50.00 $90.00 $140.00
Altered Dog
1 Year Fee $20.00
2 Year Fee $35.00
3 Year Fee $50.00
Unaltered Dog
1 Year Fee $50.00
2 Year Fee $90.00
3 Year Fee $140.00
  • A replacement City of Vista tag is available for a $15 fee or at no additional charge when you license your pet.
  • A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
  • All licenses expire the day they were purchased, 1, 2, or 3 years in the future depending on the term of the license purchased, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
  • Service animal licenses are available for $0.00. When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
  • A late fee of $25 will apply 90 days following license expiration.
  • Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.