Washoe County Regional Animal Services pet licensing
Why license?
In accordance with state and local laws, pet licenses are mandatory in Washoe County. 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 Washoe County Regional Animal Services 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.
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
Spay/Neuter proof
This document is required to qualify for the discounted rate and is only needed once and will be saved to your pet’s profile upon upload for future renewals. This proof declaring that your pet has been spayed or neutered may be in the form of a statement or receipt from the veterinarian, shelter, or clinic that performed the procedure.
Rabies vaccination proof
This document may be in the form of a Rabies Vaccination Certificate that has been signed by a veterinarian or certified professional. It is the law that pets must be up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations, so new documents will need to be uploaded to your pets profile as they receive their booster shots.
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!
License a pet for the first time
I've never licensed a pet with Washoe County Regional Animal Services before.
License nowIn-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.
Washoe County Regional Animal Services
2825 Longley Ln, Suite A, Reno, NV 89502
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.
Pet license form (English)
Formulario de licencia para mascotas (Español)
Phone
If you're unable to complete your pet's license online, you can contact our Customer Care team for assistance. Please note that licenses are primarily designed to be completed online, and phone support is intended for troubleshooting or special circumstances.
You must have up-to-date spay/neuter or rabies documentation on file. We can accept credit cards and Visa/Mastercard debit cards for payment.
DocuPet Customer Care: 1-877-239-6072
Hours of Operation:Monday-Saturday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM PST (excluding holidays)Sunday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM PST
License fees & details
Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in Washoe County. Licenses are available for 1 and 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 | 3 Year Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Altered Dog | $16.00 | $48.00 |
| Unaltered Dog | $30.00 | $90.00 |
| Senior Rate (Altered Dog) | $8.00 | $24.00 |
| Veteran/Active Duty Rate (Altered Dog) | $0.00 | N/A |
- A replacement tag is available for a $5.00 fee.
- A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
- A spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.
- A fine up to $400 may be charged for failing to comply.
- Late fees apply 30 days following license expiration.
- Pet owners must be 60 or older with an altered pet to qualify for senior citizen rates.
- If you qualify for the veteran/active duty rate you must have an altered pet. When licensing for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
- Residents of Washoe County are allowed to own no more than 5 dogs or 7 cats.
- Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.
Frequently asked questions
HELP DESK
Still have a question that you have not been able to answer?
Visit our Help Desk for more information: https://docupetinc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us
LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS
When does my pet's temporary license expire?
Temporary licenses expire after 30 days. To convert a temporary license into a full license you must provide new proof of rabies vaccination prior to the temporary license expiration date. With the provision of a rabies expiration date in the future, your pet's license will be extended to the full term originally selected.
Can I transfer a license?
License transfers may be granted in certain cases. Please visit Washoe County Regional Animal Services in person to learn more.
How old does my pet need to be for me to license them?
All pets over the age of 4 months are required to be licensed.
Do licenses need to be renewed annually?
Licenses are required to be renewed prior to the expiration date each year.
When does my pet's license expire?
Licenses expire exactly 365 days from the license start date. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new license will start the day after expiration, not on the date of purchase. Rabies must be valid during the time of renewal.
Where can I license in person?
You may license in person at Washoe County Regional Animal Services located at 2825 Longley Lane, Suite A Reno, NV 89502.
What is the refund policy on licenses?
No refunds are provided on licenses purchased regardless of circumstances.
How can I license my pets?
Please ensure you have all the required documentation in order to licence your pet. If you have all the records you need to proceed you can license your pet online, or in person at Washoe County Regional Animal Services located at 2825 Longley Lane, Suite A Reno, NV 89502.
If this is your first time licensing a pet in Washoe County, click here to learn more.
If you already have an account with us or have ever licensed a pet with Washoe County Regional Animal Services click here to learn more.
When can I renew my pet's license?
You may renew your pet's license within 60 days of your pet's current license expiration date. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new license will start the day after expiration, not on the date of purchase.
PROGRAM AND PARTNERSHIP
Why does the system say my address is not valid?
You may have entered your address incorrectly or we may not have your address in the address database for your community. Please double-check all spelling and ensure you are using the abbreviated form for your street type ex. St instead of Street. You may contact Washoe County Regional Animal Services directly if you believe you reside within their jurisdiction but your address is not being accepted by the system.
FEES AND FINES
Why am I being charged a late fee?
Late fees come into effect if a license is not renewed within 30 days of the original expiration date.
My pet has been designated as a dangerous dog and needs to pay a special rate. What do I do?
Please visit Washoe County Regional Animal Services in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. They are located at 2825 Longley Lane, Suite A Reno, NV 89502. Once the team there verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.
What is the fine for not licensing a pet?
The fine for failing to license a pet is between $100-$400.
Is there a discount for licensing multiple pets?
No, there is no discount for licensing multiple pets. Each pet will be charged the appropriate licensing fee.
What is the senior citizen age requirement?
Those aged 60 and older may qualify for a senior citizen rate.
My pet is a service animal. Are there any special rates?
Washoe County Regional Animal Services does not offer any special rates for service animals and are required to be licensed as all other dogs. Please call (775) 353-8900 or email pets@washoecounty.gov directly to discuss.
What is the fee for licensing?
Visit this page for licensing options and fees: Washoe Fees
My pet has been spayed/neutered since I last purchased their pet license. How do I qualify for the discounted rate?
If your community requires proof of spay/neuter for your pet in order to receive a discounted licensing rate, you will need to upload the appropriate documentation stating that your pet has been spayed/neutered to your online account. Once the documentation has been approved by Washoe County Regional Animal Services, you will be eligible to receive the new discounted rate. Otherwise, you can visit Washoe County Regional Animal Services in person at 2825 Longley Lane, Suite A Reno, NV 89502 and show proof of spay/neuter there.
What is the processing fee?
For all online orders, a processing fee is applied on license purchases at a rate of 2.65% + $0.25 per transaction.
I am a veteran. Are there any special rates?
Washoe County Regional Animal Services does not offer any special rates for veterans. Please call (775) 353-8900 or email pets@washoecounty.gov directly to discuss.
ACCOUNT UPDATES
Does my license transfer if I am moving?
If you are moving, please be sure to update your address by logging into your online account and navigating to your Profile Settings page. Even though you are moving, you’ll still be able to keep your pet's tag and access your pet's online account. However, your current license may not be valid in the new community you are moving to. Please get in touch with the pet licensing provider in the new community you are moving to in order to find out more information.
TAGS
I received a tag in person at an event, what should I do?
If you received a tag in person at an event, you will need to activate your pre-coded DocuPet Tag to ensure your pet is covered under DocuPet’s 24/7 HomeSafe™ lost pet service. For more information on how to activate your pet's pre-coded tag and license your pet, go to: https://docupetinc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/4403827951003-Activating-Tag-Through-Online-Account
Please note, that if you received the pre-coded tag when purchasing a license in person, your licensing details will be automatically added to your account once the records have been submitted from your local veterinarian clinic. Records are usually received and processed within 45 to 60 days.
How do I receive my tag if I don't have a current address?
Please visit in person at Washoe County Regional Animal Services located at 2825 Longley Lane, Suite A Reno, NV 89502 and they will be able to assist you.
CITY INFORMATION AND CITY ORDINANCES
What species are required to be licensed?
The following species are required to be licensed: Dogs
Who do I call if there’s an emergency involving dogs? (dog attack, loose dog, etc.)
Please get in touch with Washoe County Regional Animal Services at (775) 353-8900.
Is there a limit to the number of pets I'm allowed to have?
You are allowed to own no more than 5 dogs or 7 cats.
DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
My pet is rabies exempt, what do I do?
You will need to complete the required paperwork and visit Washoe County Regional Animal Services in person to qualify for rabies exemption.
I just adopted my pet, but the information on the rabies vaccination certificate does not match my information. What should I do?
If the rabies vaccination certificate does not match your information because the pet was adopted, we recommend contacting Washoe County Regional Animal Services directly so their team can review and approve the documentation. We suggest reaching out to confirm that you have all required documentation, which may include adoption paperwork, in order to license your pet.
Why do I have to upload a rabies and spay/neuter document for my pet?
To license your pet, you will be required to show proof that the pet's rabies vaccination is current. Documentation is also required to verify that a pet has been spayed or neutered and must be provided in order to receive the discounted rate. Requiring documentation ensures that provided pet information is accurate, which is critical for identification and safety reasons.
Can I still license my pet if I don’t have the required documentation?
Yes! A temporary license can be issued while you gather your documents. Just follow one of the licensing methods listed above to get started. Please note that proof must be submitted before the temporary license expires, otherwise a new license will need to be purchased.
How long does it take for my pet’s documents to be reviewed?
Documentation uploaded via the online system is reviewed within two to three business days.
What are acceptable documentation types?
A rabies proof is required to prove that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies. A rabies proof identifying your pet as spayed/neutered or a spay/neuter proof may be accepted as documentation of sterilization.
Where can I obtain a copy of my pet’s rabies or spay/neuter document?
If you can’t locate the document you received after the procedure was done, you will need to contact your vet to obtain your pet's records. Be sure to specify any and all pets you require documentation for.
Once you’ve got the paperwork in your hands, take a look to ensure:
- The document provided is the right type of proof required.
- Pet and pet owner account data matches your own.
- The document is clear and legible.