Pima County pet licensing
Why license?
In accordance with state and local laws, pet licenses are mandatory in the cities that Pima Animal Care Center 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 Pima Animal Care Center 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 serves as formal proof that your pet has received an 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!
License a pet for the first time
I've never licensed a pet with Pima Animal Care Center 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.
Pima Animal Care Center
4000 N. Silverbell Rd., Tucson, AZ 85745
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)
- Download Application Form – South Tucson
- Download Application Form – Tucson
- Download Application Form – Oro Valley
- Download Application Form – Unincorporated Pima County
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: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM MST (excluding holidays)Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM MST
License fees & details
Pima Animal Care Center is contracted to issue licenses in the following communities
Oro Valley Details & Fees
Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in Oro Valley. Licenses are available for 1 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 | Oro Valley Fees |
|---|---|
| Altered Dog | $20.00 |
| Altered Dog - Senior Owner | $15.00 |
| Altered Dog - Disabled Owner | $15.00 |
| Unaltered Dog | $65.00 |
| Unaltered Dog - Senior Owner | N/A |
| Dangerous Dog | $105.00 |
| Late Registration Fees** | Oro Valley |
|---|---|
| Less than one year late | $10.00 |
| One - two years late | $22.00 |
| More than two years late | $36.00 |
| Transfer of Ownership | $10.00 |
- **Late fees apply 30 days following license expiration.
- Pet owners must be 65 or older to qualify for senior citizen rates.
- To learn more about the disabled license please contact Pima Animal Care Center at licensingpacc@pima.gov or call (520) 724-5960
- To learn more about licensing a service animal please contact Pima Animal Care Center at licensingpacc@pima.gov or call (520) 724-5960
- Licenses are required for all dogs over three months of age.
- A replacement tag is available for a $10.00 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, one year in the future, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the license term. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to your pet's license, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
- A spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.
South Tucson Details & Fees
Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in South Tucson. Licenses are available for 1 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 | South Tucson |
|---|---|
| Altered Dog | $11.00 |
| Altered Dog - Senior Owner | $7.00 |
| Altered Dog - Disabled Owner | $7.00 |
| Unaltered Dog | $45.00 |
| Unaltered Dog - Senior Owner | $13.00 |
| Dangerous Dog | $75.00 |
| Late Registration Fees** | South Tucson |
|---|---|
| Less than one year late | $6.00 |
| One - two years late | $17.00 |
| More than two years late | $28.00 |
| Transfer of Ownership | $10.00 |
- **Late fees apply 30 days following license expiration.
- Pet owners must be 65 or older to qualify for senior citizen rates.
- To learn more about the disabled license please contact Pima Animal Care Center at licensingpacc@pima.gov or call (520) 724-5960
- To learn more about licensing a service animal please contact Pima Animal Care Center at licensingpacc@pima.gov or call (520) 724-5960
- Licenses are required for all dogs over three months of age.
- A replacement tag is available for a $10.00 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, one year in the future, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the license term. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to your pet's license, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
- A spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.
Tucson Details & Fees
Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in Tucson. Licenses are available for 1 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 | Tucson Fees |
|---|---|
| Altered Dog | $20.00 |
| Altered Dog - Senior Owner | $15.00 |
| Altered Dog - Disabled Owner | $15.00 |
| Unaltered Dog | $65.00 |
| Unaltered Dog - Senior Owner | N/A |
| Dangerous Dog | $105.00 |
| Late Registration Fees** | Tucson |
|---|---|
| Less than one year late | $10.00 |
| One - two years late | $22.00 |
| More than two years late | $36.00 |
| Transfer of Ownership | $10.00 |
- **Late fees apply 30 days following license expiration.
- Pet owners must be 65 or older to qualify for senior citizen rates.
- To learn more about the disabled license please contact Pima Animal Care Center at licensingpacc@pima.gov or call (520) 724-5960
- To learn more about licensing a service animal please contact Pima Animal Care Center at licensingpacc@pima.gov or call (520) 724-5960
- Licenses are required for all dogs over three months of age.
- A replacement tag is available for a $10.00 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, one year in the future, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the license term. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to your pet's license, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
- A spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.
Unincorporated Pima County Details & Fees
Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in Unincorporated Pima County. Licenses are available for 1 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 | Unincorporated Pima County Fees |
|---|---|
| Altered Dog | $20.00 |
| Altered Dog - Senior Owner | $15.00 |
| Altered Dog - Disabled Owner | $15.00 |
| Altered Dog - Low Income Owner* | $13.00 |
| Unaltered Dog | $65.00 |
| Unaltered Dog - Senior Owner | N/A |
| Dangerous Dog | $105.00 |
| Late Registration Fees** | Unincorporated Pima County |
|---|---|
| Less than one year late | $10.00 |
| One - two years late | $22.00 |
| More than two years late | $36.00 |
| Transfer of Ownership | $10.00 |
- *To qualify for the low income license please complete this form. See page two of the form for submission instructions. Note that the low income rate is only available for residents of Unincorporated Pima County.
- **Late fees apply 30 days following license expiration.
- Pet owners must be 65 or older to qualify for senior citizen rates.
- To learn more about the disabled license please contact Pima Animal Care Center at licensingpacc@pima.gov or call (520) 724-5960
- To learn more about licensing a service animal please contact Pima Animal Care Center at licensingpacc@pima.gov or call (520) 724-5960
- Licenses are required for all dogs over three months of age.
- A replacement tag is available for a $10.00 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, one year in the future, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the license term. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to your pet's license, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
- A spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.
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
How old does my pet need to be for me to license them?
All dogs over the age of three months are required to be licensed.
Where can I license in person?
You may license in person at Pima Animal Care Center located at 4000 N Silverbell Rd Tucson AZ 85745.
When does my pet's license expire?
Licenses expire at the end of the 1 year term 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.
How can I license my pet over the phone?
As you are required to provide documentation to demonstrate proof that your pet has a valid rabies vaccination, our customer representatives are not able to review this documentation and therefore cannot process licenses over the phone. You must license online where you can upload the required documentation, or present it in person at a vendor location.
If you do have a valid rabies vaccination in your online account and are looking to renew your pet's license you may call our DocuPet customer service team to update your record.
Can I transfer a license if my pet passes?
License transfers may be granted in certain cases. Please visit Pima Animal Care Center in person to learn more.
Do licenses need to be renewed annually?
Licenses are required to be renewed prior to the expiration date each year.
What jurisdictions does Pima Animal Care Center provide licensing services for?
Pima Animal Care Center provides licensing services for the following areas: Unincorporated Pima County, Oro Valley, Tucson, and South Tucson
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 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 a Pima Animal Care Center located at 4000 N Silverbell Rd Tucson AZ 85745. Once we have documentation on file, we do not require it again, and thus, renewals can be processed over the phone.
Why does my pet's license expire on their rabies vaccination expiration date?
In Pima County, a pet license may not be valid at any time that a pet's rabies vaccination is not current.
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.
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 Pima Animal Care Center located at 4000 N Silverbell Rd Tucson AZ 85745.
If this is your first time licensing a pet in Pima County, click here to learn more.
If you already have an account with us or have ever licensed a pet with Pima Animal Care Center click here to learn more.
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 Pima Animal Care Center directly if you believe you reside within their jurisdiction but your address is not being accepted by the system.
FEES AND FINES
I qualify for the veteran or disability rates. What do I do?
Please get in touch with Pima Animal Care Center by calling (520) 724-5969 or emailing licensingpacc@pima.gov to find out more.
What is the fine for not licensing a pet?
The fine for failing to license a pet is $150-$750.
My pet has been designated as a dangerous dog and needs to pay a special rate. What do I do?
Please visit Pima Animal Care Center in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. They are located at 4000 N Silverbell Rd Tucson AZ 85745. Once the team there verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.
I qualify for the low income rates. What do I do?
Please get in touch with Pima Animal Care Center by calling (520) 724-5969 or emailing licensingpacc@pima.gov to find out more.
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 fee for licensing?
Visit this page for licensing options and fees: Pima County Licensing Fees
My pet qualifies for the service animal rate. What do I do?
Please visit Pima Animal Care 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 senior citizen age requirement?
Senior citizen ages vary by community. You must be 65 or older with an altered dog to qualify for the senior rate in Pima County. You must be 65 or older to qualify for the senior rate in South Tucson.
What is the processing fee?
A processing fee of $2.00 per license product applies to all online orders.
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 Pima Animal Care Center, you will be eligible to receive the new discounted rate. Otherwise, you can visit Pima Animal Care Center in person at 4000 N Silverbell Rd Tucson AZ 85745 and show proof of spay/neuter there.
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.
ACCOUNT UPDATES
My pet is no longer with me, but I’m still receiving renewal reminders?
We’re sorry! Unfortunately, unless you tell Pima Animal Care Center 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 DocuPet's 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 Pima Animal Care Center that my pet has passed away?
We're sorry for your loss. You can update a pet's profile via your online account.
How do I activate my online account?
In order to activate your online account, you will need your access code and ZIP code. You may also activate your account with your pet's name, their existing tag number, your ZIP code, and your phone number. Your access code can be found on almost all communications sent to you from Pima Animal Care Center, including your mailed renewal letter and printed receipt. Otherwise, you can contact Pima Animal Care Center at (520) 724-5969 or email licensingpacc@pima.gov and they will provide it.
TAGS
My pet lost their tag. How can I get a new one?
You can order and pay for a replacement tag online by logging into your account and selecting the "My Pets" page. Under the Licensing section on your "My Pet's" page, you will be able to click "Order Replacement License Tag".
How do I receive my tag if I don't have a current address?
Please visit in person at Pima Animal Care Center located at 4000 N Silverbell Rd Tucson AZ 85745 and they will be able to assist you.
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.
CITY INFORMATION AND CITY ORDINANCES
What species are required to be licensed?
The following species are required to be licensed: Dogs
Where can I find information about the pet licensing ordinance/bylaw?
Visit this page for information on licensing ordinances/bylaws: Pima County Code
Who do I call if there’s an emergency involving dogs? (dog attack, loose dog, etc.)
Please get in touch with Pima Animal Care Center at (520) 724-5969.
DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
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.
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.
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.