Licensing is mandated by State and City law. State laws and local ordinances mandate that all dogs and cats over four months of age must be vaccinated for rabies and licensed. Licenses are not transferable from one owner to the next.

Licensing requires that your animal must have a current rabies vaccination. Include a copy of the current rabies vaccination certificate with your license application. Animal Licenses shall not be issued beyond the validity of the rabies vaccination. For example, do not apply for a 3 year license if there is less than 3 years remaining on your rabies vaccination.

In Campbell and Monte Sereno, for owners who are 65 years of age or older, there is no license fee charged for the first dog or cat. Fees will apply to the second and additional animals for such owners.

In Mountain View for owners who are 65 years of age or older, there is no license fee charged for one spayed or neutered dog. Fees will apply to the second and additional animals for such owners.

In Santa Clara, for owners who are 65 years of age or older, there is no license fee charged for one spayed or neutered dog or cat. Fees will apply to the second and additional animals for such owners.

Late Penalty: Failure to license a animal by the age of four (4) months, or within 30 days of acquisition or within 30 days of residency (for a new resident) or within 60 days of the expiration date of a previously issued license will be subject to the Late (Delinquent) Fee.

License Tags identify owners of lost animals. Each license tag has a unique number assigned to your animal alone. Persons finding a animal with a tag need only call our telephone number printed on the tag for quick owner identification and reunion with the lost animal. If a licensed animal is lost or taken to a shelter, Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority can identify the owner by the tag number and contact the registered animal owner. Animals with licensing information are held in the shelters while the owners are contacted.

Lost Tags will be replaced upon our receipt of a written request plus a processing fee of $5.00. Note: The original tag issued is not replaced each year. We replace only if lost, or the printed information changes.

Spay/neutering leads to happier and healthier animals. Principal benefits arise from the spay and neuter of dogs and cats:

1. Reduced number of unwanted animals that end up in the shelter each year
2. Healthier, longer-living animals
3. Lower or free licensing fees to animal owners and reduced expense to taxpayers for animal control costs.
4. Owners who voluntarily alter their animals within 60 days of a license purchase shall, upon written request and verification, receive a refund of $30.00. Call 408-764-0344 for details.