City of Fresno pet licensing
Why license?
In accordance with state and local laws, pet licenses are mandatory in the City of Fresno. 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 City of Fresno 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
Rabies vaccination proof
This document serves as formal proof that your pet has received a California-approved rabies vaccination. 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!
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.
Fresno Animal Center
5277 E. Airways Blvd Fresno CA 93727
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 the City of Fresno. Licenses are available for 1 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 | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 Year Sterilized Dog License | $12.00 |
| 1 Year Non-sterilized Dog License | $75.00 |
| 3 Year Sterilized Dog License | $30.00 |
- A replacement tag is available for a $0.50 fee.
- 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 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.
- A late fee of $10.00 will apply 30 days following license expiration.
- Residents of the City of Fresno are allowed to own a maximum of 4 dogs.
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
What jurisdictions does Fresno Animal Center provide licensing services for?
Fresno Animal Center provides licensing services for the following areas: City of Fresno.
What is the refund policy on licenses?
Refunds may be granted if your pet has passed away, provided the request is submitted within 30 days of the license purchase date. After this period, we’re unfortunately unable to process a refund.
Why does my pet's license expire on their rabies vaccination expiration date?
In The City of Fresno, a pet license may not be valid at any time that a pet's rabies vaccination is not current.
When does my pet's license expire?
Licenses expire at the end of the license term selected unless your pet's current rabies vaccination expiration date falls prior to the end of the term. A license cannot be valid at any time if a pet's rabies is expired. 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.
Why does my pet's license expire on their rabies vaccination expiration date?
As per California State law, a pet license may not be valid at anytime a pet's rabies vaccination is expired.
Where can I license in person?
You may license in person at Fresno Animal Center located at 5277 E. Airways Blvd Fresno CA 93727.
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.
Why can’t I license a rabies vaccinated or spayed/neutered pet for the first time over the phone?
As you are required to provide documentation to demonstrate proof that your pet has been spayed/neutered, our customer care team members are not able to review this documentation and therefore cannot process new licenses for spayed/neutered pets over the phone. You must license online where you can upload the required documentation, or present it in person at Fresno Animal Center located at 5277 E. Airways Blvd Fresno CA 93727. Once we have documentation on file, we do not require it again, and thus, renewals can be processed over the phone.
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 Fresno Animal Center directly if you believe you reside within their jurisdiction but your address is not being accepted by the system.
ACCOUNT UPDATES
My pet is no longer with me, but I’m still receiving renewal reminders?
We’re sorry! Unfortunately, unless you update your account to reflect that a pet is no longer in your care, we have no way of knowing. Have you already told us? You may have a duplicate account. Get in touch with your licensing organization or our DocuPet customer service team to update your record.
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.
How do I notify DocuPet that my pet has passed away?
We're sorry for your loss. You can update a pet's profile via your online account by editing your pet's profile and selecting 'Remove this Pet'.
FEES AND FINES
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.
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 qualifies for the service animal rate. What do I do?
Please visit Fresno Animal Center in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. Once the team there verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.
What is the processing fee?
A processing fee of $2.00 per license product applies to all online orders.
TAGS
How do I receive my tag if I don't have a current address?
Please visit in person at Fresno Animal Center located at 5277 E. Airways Blvd Fresno CA 93727 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 Fresno Animal Center at (559) 621-7387.
Is there a limit to the number of pets I'm allowed to have?
You are allowed a maximum of 4 dogs per dwelling.
DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
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.
My pet is rabies exempt, what do I do?
You will need to complete the required paperwork and visit Fresno Animal Center in person to qualify for rabies exemption.
Why won't the system allow me to license without a new rabies document?
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.
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.
My pet is spay/neuter exempt, what do I do?
You will need to complete the required paperwork and visit Fresno Animal Center in person to qualify for the spay/neuter exemption.
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.