Ventura County pet licensing
Frequently asked questions
HELP DESK
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LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS
Do licenses need to be renewed annually?
Licenses are required to be renewed prior to the expiration date each year.
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 Ventura County Animal Services located at CAMARILLO ANIMAL SHELTER: 600 Aviation Drive Camarillo, CA 93010 or SIMI VALLEY ANIMAL SHELTER - 670 W. Los Angeles Ave. Simi Valley, CA 93065.
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.
How old does my pet need to be for me to license them?
All pets over the age of 4 months are required to be licensed.
When does my pet's temporary license expire?
Temporary licenses expire after 30 days. To convert a temporary license into a full license you must provide new proof of rabies vaccination prior to the temporary license expiration date. 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.
What is the refund policy on licenses?
Refunds may be granted if your pet has passed away and the request is submitted within 30 days of the license purchase date. A partial refund may also be issued for the difference between an intact and spayed/neutered license if proof is provided within 30 days of purchase.
Why does my pet's license expire on their rabies vaccination expiration date?
As per California State law, a pet license may not be valid at anytime a pet's rabies vaccination is expired.
When does my pet's license expire?
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.
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 Ventura County Animal Services directly if you believe you reside within their jurisdiction but your address is not being accepted by the system.
FEES AND FINES
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 Ventura County Animal Services, you will be eligible to receive the new discounted rate. Otherwise, you can visit Ventura County Animal Services in person at CAMARILLO ANIMAL SHELTER: 600 Aviation Drive Camarillo, CA 93010 or SIMI VALLEY ANIMAL SHELTER - 670 W. Los Angeles Ave. Simi Valley, CA 93065 and show proof of spay/neuter there.
What is the senior citizen age requirement?
Those aged 55 and older may qualify for a senior citizen rate.
My pet has been designated as a potentially dangerous or vicious dog and needs to pay a special rate. What do I do?
Please visit Ventura County Animal Services in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. They are located at CAMARILLO ANIMAL SHELTER: 600 Aviation Drive Camarillo, CA 93010 or SIMI VALLEY ANIMAL SHELTER - 670 W. Los Angeles Ave. Simi Valley, CA 93065. Once the team verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.
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.
My pet qualifies for the service animal rate. What do I do?
Please visit Ventura County Animal Services 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.
ACCOUNT UPDATES
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.
TAGS
Will my pet receive a new free tag with every order?
No, each pet will only receive one free tag with their first license via DocuPet. This tag doesn’t expire. If you’ve already received a DocuPet tag, your furry friend is good to go! If you’d like a new tag, you can purchase a standard replacement tag or a new designer tag during the license order process or in our store.
How do I receive my tag if I don't have a current address?
Please visit in person at Ventura County Animal Services located at CAMARILLO ANIMAL SHELTER: 600 Aviation Drive Camarillo, CA 93010 or SIMI VALLEY ANIMAL SHELTER - 670 W. Los Angeles Ave. Simi Valley, CA 93065 and they will be able to assist you.
CITY INFORMATION AND CITY ORDINANCES
What species are required to be licensed?
The following species are required to be licensed in Moorpark and Oxnard: Dogs and cats are mandatory
The following species are required to be licensed in Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai, Port Hueneme, Simi Valley, City of Ventura, and Unincorporated Ventura County: Dogs are mandatory and cats are voluntary
Who do I call if there’s an emergency involving dogs? (dog attack, loose dog, etc.)
Please get in touch with Ventura County Animal Services at 1-805-388-4341.
Where can I find information about the pet licensing ordinance/bylaw?
Visit here for information on licensing ordinances/bylaws.
DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
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.
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.
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.
I just adopted my pet, but the information on the rabies vaccination certificate does not match my information. What should I do?
If the rabies vaccination certificate does not match your information because the pet was adopted, we recommend contacting Ventura County Animal Services directly so their team can review and approve the documentation. We suggest reaching out to confirm that you have all required documentation, which may include adoption paperwork, in order to license your pet.
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.
My pet is spay/neuter exempt, what do I do?
You will need to complete the required paperwork and visit Ventura County Animal Services in person to qualify for the spay/neuter exemption.
Can I still license my pet if I don’t have the required documentation?
Yes! A temporary license can be issued while you gather your documents. Just follow one of the licensing methods listed above to get started. Please note that proof must be submitted before the temporary license expires, otherwise a new license will need to be purchased.
What documentation is required to purchase a license?
A valid rabies proof is required to purchase a pet license. A 30-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.
My pet is rabies exempt, what do I do?
You will need to complete the required paperwork and visit Ventura County Animal Services in person to qualify for rabies exemption.

