FAQs

Why does my pet have to be licensed?

City ordinances require all pets, over the age of four (4) months, to be licensed.  Pets are required to be licensed in order to verify that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies.  Additionally, pets that are licensed are returned to their owners at a much higher rate than unlicensed animals and even those that are just microchipped.

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. The virus is usually passed to humans via the bite of a rabid animal. Occasionally rabies can be transmitted if the saliva of an infected animal gets into a fresh scratch, break in the skin, or contact with mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose). In California, most cases of rabies occur in skunks and bats. Domestic animals account for three percent of animal rabies, and the rest occurs in a variety of wild animals, including foxes.  Rabies can be prevented by being a responsible pet owner. Keep rabies vaccinations up-to-date for all cats and dogs. Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets, that may not be properly cared for or vaccinated regularly.  Lastly, call animal control to remove all stray animals from your neighborhood since these animals may be unvaccinated or ill.  To find out more information about rabies you can visit www.cdc.gov