ByHow to Get a Pet License in the City of Houston
Pets are great companions and add life to a home. However, the law requires that you license your pets as per the stipulated guidelines to be in good health and safety for you and your family. But, how do you get a pet license in the city of Houston?
The process of applying for a pet license is tedious which explains why many pet owners remain without licenses for their pets. However, licensing your pets is crucial because they get spayed and neutered and get proper vaccinations.
In a busy world where time counts the most, you can get your pet's license more conveniently and less tediously. This article explains how you can apply for your pet license in the city of Houston, renew an expired license, or replace a lost one and how can help make the process easier for you.
What are Different Ways to License a Pet in Houston?
The city of Houston accepts pet license applications through three channels - online, mail, and in person.
Online Registration
To register online, go to the BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions registration portal and enter all the required information. You can choose to scan the required documents and upload them or send them through the mail, fax, or email.
Mail Registration
Registering by mail will require you to download and complete a pet licensing form and then submit it via mail or in-person to BARC. Be sure to attach the registration fees and all the required documents, including the current rabies vaccination certificate.
In-person Registration
You'll need to walk right into BARC's offices and initiate the registration process. Ensure that you carry along all the required documents as well as the registration fee.
How Long Will It Take To Complete Pet License Registration?
Once you have all the documents together, the process of filling an online or physical form becomes much easier. Registering online will take about 10 minutes to complete registration.
However, you'll need to wait for about 4-6 weeks before getting the license and the tag delivered to you. That's a long time to wait.
The good news is can help complete your pet's licensing immediately as you only need to give correct answers to some questions about your pet.
How Much Does it Cost to License a Pet in Houston?
In the city of Houston, pet licenses last for a year or three years, depending on your pet's vaccination program. Therefore, if your pet is vaccinated for a year, you get a license valid for one year, and if your pet is vaccinated for three years, you get a license valid for three years.
The licensing fees vary for the type of pet and the procedures it has gone through. The pricing structure is as follows.
- Unaltered/unsterilized animals are licensed at $60 per year and $180 for three years.
- Altered/sterilized animals are licensed at $20 per year and $60 for three years.
- A certified assistance pet for senior citizens (sterilized animal) is licensed at $2 per year and $6 for three years
Dangerous dogs and wild animals get annual permits for $50.
Senior residents (60 years and above) enjoy the senior/military discount for their spayed or neutered pets.
When submitting vaccination documents for your pet, ensure that you submit a recent one (within 12 months after vaccination) for a 3-year license.
Houston allows online registrations, so you'll be able to complete registration fee payments through your card.
Why Should You License Your Pet in Houston?
Many advantages come with licensing your pet. Therefore as a pet owner, it's important to consider doing it.
Here are some reasons why you should license your pet:
| Requirements | The law in Houston requires that all cats and dogs above four months be registered and licensed as per the county's guidelines. Therefore, licensing your pet puts you on the safe side of the law, and you avoid numerous fines that may come as a result of not licensing your pet. |
| Pet Protection | Pets are adventurous and may wander away from home and get lost. If your pet is licensed, it will be found easily and brought back to you. That means it's protected from harm as it is identified easily. |
| Proper Pet Vaccinations | A requirement for licensing is a valid vaccination certificate that confirms that your pet is properly vaccinated. Therefore, updating your pet's license every time allows you to vaccinate them regularly. In turn, you and your family will be safe from any diseases that may spread through the pets. |
How Long Does the Pet License Last in Houston?
As mentioned earlier, you can get a pet license that is valid for a year or three years, depending on the vaccine administered to your pet. Your pet license expires on the day the vaccine certificate expires.
It's important to ensure that you get the license as soon as your pet gets vaccinated so that the license can serve you longer.
How to Get Pet Licenses in Houston with DoNotPay
If you're running low on time, or just want an easier option, DoNotPay can help you file your request right from your laptop.
Through our Pet Licenses product, we'll help you navigate the application process and check how much you owe in fees. All you have to do is answer a few questions about your pet, and we'll complete the rest of the application on your behalf!
Here's how you can use DoNotPay to renew/register for pet licenses:
- Go to the Pet Licenses product on DoNotPay.
- Enter the county or city you are looking to register your pet in.
- Tell us more about your pet, including the breed, gender, whether they are spayed/neutered, approximate age, and more.
- Upload evidence documents that prove that your pet has been spayed/neutered (if applicable) and a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate.
- Enter your contact information, including email, address, and phone number.
- Complete your application by paying the license processing fee, so we can file the application on your behalf.
And that's it! DoNotPay will file the rest of your application on your behalf with your local city/county government. We'll update you with confirmation and a license number once the application is complete.
Why Use DoNotPay To Get Pet Licenses In Houston?
DoNotPay is your go-to place for services involving pet licenses. Here's why:
- Fast services - Compiling all the paperwork and filling forms is exhausting. DoNotPay only asks you a few questions and takes care of the rest for you.
- Friendly - DoNotPay is customer-friendly and allows you to focus on what matters most to you as they handle your pet licensing process.
- Reliable - With DoNotPay, you can be sure that your application request will go through seamlessly. And in case it's revoked in the future, they'll reapply for you successfully.
Get a Pet License Anywhere
DoNotPay 's services are not limited to a Houston and are offered in many locations including:
- King County, WA
- LA County, CA
- Omaha, NE
- Pierce County, WA
- Orange County, CA
- Washington State
- Maricopa County, AZ
- Minneapolis, MN
- California State
Getting a pet license in Houston doesn't have to stress you out. Check out DoNotPay's website to get started on renewing, replacing, or applying for a new license.