ByYour Ultimate Guide to Getting a Pet License in Contra Costa County
The Contra Costa County Animal Services Department is dedicated to ensuring all people's and animals' health, safety, and well-being in the community. One of the essential things you can do as a responsible pet owner is to register your pet with the county and get a current Contra Costa County .
Animal control officers and shelter personnel can readily discover a lost pet's owner's information if the pet is properly licensed. It may be your pet's return ticket home.
Getting a pet license, though, can be an annoying process. The good news? DoNotPay allows you to file your request for a pet license directly from your computer if you're busy or want a more accessible option.
Regardless of the method, you choose to register your furry friend, here are the facts you need to know about getting a pet license in Contra Costa County.
How to License Online in Contra Costa County
If you choose to use the county's online route, you'll need to make an account with PetData, a third-party pet licensing provider. You'll be required to give your zip code and some personal information, in addition to the relevant documentation for your pet. They accept most major credit cards but do charge a transaction fee.
How to License by Mail in Contra Costa County
Submit a copy of the pet's current rabies certificate, any other relevant documents, and a check made payable to Contra Costa Animal Services to the following address:
Contra Costa Animal Services
C/O PetData
PO Box 141929
Irving, TX 75014
Be sure to send copies of your pet's documents, not the originals, as they will not be returned to you if you send them via mail.
License Fees in Contra Costa County
Wondering how much it will cost to make your pet in Contra Costa county? Take a look at the various fees associated with pet licenses:
| Standard License Type | 3-12 Months | 1-3 Years |
| Unaltered Pet License | $65.00 | $180.00 |
| Spayed/Neutered Pet License | $25.00 | $60.00 |
| Late Fee | $20.00 | |
| Replacement Tag Fee | $7.00 | |
In addition to the standard fees, there are special discounts available if you are over 65 years of age, or if you are active military or a veteran:
- Your first license for a spayed or neutered pet is free, as long as you can show proof of your age or military status.
- If you have additional spayed or neutered pets, the 3-12 months license will cost $12.50, and the 1-3 years license will cost $30.
- If your pets aren't spayed or neutered, you are not eligible to receive any senior or military discount.
License Requirements in Contra Costa County
There are many requirements to know if you're a dog owner in Contra Costa County:
- Once your dog turns three months old, you have until they are five months old to get them licensed to avoid a fine.
- If you've just moved to the county or gotten a new dog, you must license your pet within 30 days.
- If you live inside the city borders of Antioch, you'll need to get an Antioch dog license instead of a Contra Costa County dog license.
- In addition to the license, there is a vaccine requirement as well. According to state law and local county regulations, all dogs that are four months or older must be vaccinated against rabies.
When Do I Need to Renew My Pet License?
Within one month of the expiration of your current license, you must pay for your new license. If you're getting a permit for the first time, you must do so within 30 days of getting a pet that's older than 3 months, or within 30 days of relocating to Contra Costa County. If you do not purchase your license by the due date, you will be charged a late fee of $20.
How Long is a License Term in Contra Costa County?
Wondering how often you'll need to go through the hassle of getting your pet licensed? Pet licenses in Contra Costa county are valid for either one, two, or three years, depending on when your dog's rabies vaccination expires.
If you're afraid you'll forget to renew your license, however, there's an easy solution with DoNotPay.
How Can DoNotPay Help?
DoNotPay works in a myriad of bureaucratic situations to make things easier. You can use DoNotPay to renew or register for in Contra Costa County, without any of the hassles of mailing documents or relying on a third-party platform to keep your pet (and your information!) safe.
How to Save Time Registering Your Pet in Contra Costa County using DoNotPay
If you want to save time registering your pet in Contra Costa County using DoNotPay but don't know where to start, we've got you covered in six easy steps:
- 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.
That's all there is to it! DoNotPay will submit the rest of your application to Contra Costa Animal Services on your behalf. Once the application is complete, we'll send you a confirmation and a license number.
Need a Pet License Somewhere Else?
Contra Costa County isn't the only place where DoNotPay can help license your pet. Check out our resources in other areas across the country:
- King County
- LA County
- Omaha
- Pierce County
- Orange County
- Washington State
- Maricopa County
- Minneapolis
- City of Houston
- California
Whatever your pet licensing needs, DoNotPay can help. Let us cut through red tape for you and help keep your beloved pets safe, sound, and licensed today!