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.
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.
We securely process payment online and accept all major credit and debit cards as forms of payment.
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:
Invoices, Sticker Books and Titers are not accepted.
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!
I've never licensed a pet with San Diego Humane Society before.
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.
San Diego Campus
5480 Gaines St., San Diego, CA 92110
El Cajon Campus
1373 N. Marshall Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020
Escondido Campus
3500 Burnet Drive, Escondido, CA 92027
Oceanside Campus
2905 San Luis Rey Road, Oceanside, CA 92058
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.
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
San Diego Humane Society is contracted to issue licenses in the following communities
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 San Diego Humane Society directly if you believe you reside within their jurisdiction but your address is not being accepted by the system.
DocuPet has a Help Center that houses many helpful articles about the DocuPet system, communications, and other information that is not specific to your licensing jurisdiction. Visit here.
Temporary licenses expire after 60 days. To convert a temporary license into a full license you must provide new proof of rabies expiration prior to the temporary license expiration date. If the rabies expiration date extends beyond the original term selected, your pet's license may be extended to the full term originally selected. If the newly provided rabies expiration date falls prior to the term end, the new license expiration date will be the same as the rabies vaccination expiration date.
You may license in person at San Diego Humane Society located at 5480 Gaines St. in San Diego.
Please ensure you have all the required documentation in order to license your pet. If you have all the records you need to proceed you can license your pet online, or in person at San Diego Humane Society located at 5480 Gaines St. in San Diego.
If this is your first time licensing a pet with San Diego Humane Society, click here to learn more.
If you already have an account with us or have ever licensed a pet with San Diego Humane Society, click here to learn more.
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 a pet's rabies is expired. If you provide new proof of rabies expiration extending beyond the original term selected prior to the license expiration date, your pet's license may be extended to the full term originally selected.
San Diego Humane Society provides licensing services for the following areas: Carlsbad, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Oceanside, Poway, San Diego, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach, and Vista.
All pets over the age of 4 months are required to be licensed.
Please visit San Diego Humane Society in person as kennel licensing is not processed through DocuPet. They are located at 5480 Gaines St. in San Diego.
As per California State law, a pet license may not be valid at anytime a pet's rabies vaccination is expired.
No, there is no discount for licensing multiple pets. Each pet will be charged the appropriate licensing fee.
Please visit San Diego Humane Society in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. They are located at 5480 Gaines St. in San Diego. Once the team there verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.
There are no senior rates to license your pet.
For all online orders a processing fee is applied on license purchases at a rate of 2.65% on eligible license/late fee products plus $0.25 per transaction.
Please visit San Diego Humane Society 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.
The fine for failing to license a pet varies. A pet owner can be cited for failure to display and for not having a license.
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 San Diego Humane Society, you will be eligible to receive the new discounted rate. Otherwise, you can visit San Diego Humane Society in person at 5480 Gaines St. in San Diego and show proof of spay/neuter there.
Late fees come into effect if a license is not renewed within 90 days of the original expiration date.
Please visit in person at San Diego Humane Society located at 5480 Gaines St. in San Diego and they will be able to assist you.
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.
Please get in touch with San Diego Humane Society at (619) 299-7012
Dogs are required to be licensed in all jurisdictions San Diego Humane Society serves.
Visit this page for information on licensing ordinances/bylaws: sdhumane.org/services/humane-law-enforcement/
You will need to complete the required paperwork and visit San Diego Humane Society in person to qualify for rabies exemption.
To license your pet, you will be required to show proof that the pet's rabies vaccination is current. Requiring documentation ensures that provided pet information is accurate, which is critical for identification and safety reasons.
Documentation uploaded via the online system is typically reviewed within two to three business days.
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:
A rabies proof is required to prove that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies. This document must be an actual certificate - not a receipt or rabies tag.
A valid rabies proof is required to purchase a pet license. A 60 day temporary license may be issued if you do not have rabies proof at the time of licensing. Proof of spay/neuter is required to receive the discounted altered rates.