Dog License

Overview

Saint Paul Animal Control (SPAC) sells dog licenses for all dogs residing in Saint Paul. To get a dog license, all dogs must first be vaccinated against rabies. Saint Paul offers different types of licenses depending on whether or not the dog is spayed, neutered, or microchipped, and offers discounts for senior citizens and people receiving means tested public assistance. Just fill out the standard Dog License application and provide the required documents and fees, and your dog will be legal in Saint Paul.

Why License your Dog

1. It's a Free Ride Home: When a licensed dog is found in Saint Paul, Animal Control Officers bring the dog home, so long as the owner is available and doesn't have a history of animal control violations.
2. Your Pet is More Likely to Get Back Home: Licensed dogs are three times more likely than unlicensed dogs to go home again.
3. Prompt Veterinary Attention: If your pet is found injured or is lost and needed medication, a dog license makes it more likely that the dog will get proper care right away.
4. It's the Law: Saint Paul requires dogs to be licensed once the dog is over three (3) months old (Saint Paul Ordinance 200.02).
5. It Ensures the Dog is Vaccinated Against Rabies: Saint Paul requires dogs to be vaccinated against rabies (Saint Paul Ordinance 199.02).
6. It Helps other Animals. Dog Licenses help pay for:
   • Sheltering and feeding lost animals with they are at SPAC.
   • Educating the public about responsible pet ownership.
   • Reuniting animals and owners or finding new homes for animals.

Dog License Types, Requirements, and Fee

Saint Paul Dog Owners can choose between purchasing a dog license every year or once for the lifetime of the dog, if they meet all requirements.  Dog Licenses cannot be transferred from one owner to another. Making a false statement about a dog's vaccination status, sterilization status, microchip status, or the age of the owner will result in cancelation of the license and a criminal citation.  The form is the same for all types of licenses. Just select which type you are purchasing when you fill out the Dog License Application.

General Dog Licensing Cost

• $80 per year 
  • Own only needs to provide proof of current rabies
  • License is valid for 12 months.                                           

Discounted Prices for Spayed and Neutered Dogs

• $20 per year
  • Owner must provide proof of current rabies and proof of spay or neuter surgery
  • License is valid of 12 months
• $140 for the life of the dog 
  • Owner must provide proof of current rabies, proof of spay or neuter surgery, and proof of microchipping
  • License is valid for the life of the dog.

Reduced Prices for Spayed and Neutered Dogs owned by Senior Citizens (over 62 years of age) and Persons on Means-tested Public Assistance

• $10 per year 
  • Owner must provide proof or current rabies and proof of spay/neuter surgery and
  • Proof they are 62 years of age or older OR
  • Proof they receive:
    • Food Stamps, Medicaid, Free/Reduced School Lunch Program
    • Social Security/Disability
    • Minnesota Care or Medical Assistance
    • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
    • HUD Section 8 Housing Supplemental Security Income
    • VA Disability
    • Assistance for Needy Families 
• $70 for the life of dog
  • Owner must provide the above documentation and proof of microchipping

Annual Prices for Dogs Declared Dangerous or Potentially Dangerous

• $140 per year (spayed or neutered) or
• $280 per year (not spayed or neutered)

DSI accepts payments:

• By credit or debit cards using phone or fax (Ph: 651-266-1100; Fax: 651-266-1120)
• By paper check, credit or debit cards by US mail
• By cash, check, credit or debit card payments dropped off at the DSI lobby (375 Jackson St., Suite 220), in the drop box or at Saint Paul Animal Control, 1285 Jessamine Ave W, M-F 12:30-4:30
• Please note: Credit or debit card transactions will be charged a 2.49% service fee; the fee will display as a separate charge on your statement.

How to Purchase a Saint Paul Dog License

Saint Paul dog licenses can be purchased by mail or in-person at locations throughout Saint Paul.

By Mail: Send a fully completed application, along with the required documentation and fee to:

Saint Paul Animal Control Center
1285 Jessamine Ave., W
Saint Paul, MN 55108

In Person: Walk-in customers are always welcome. Annual and Lifetime Dog Licenses can be purchased at the following Saint Paul Government Offices. Please, leave your dog at home:

Lost your Tags?

Dogs play hard, and sometimes that means dog license tags go missing. Replacement tags can be purchased for $10 through the mail or in person at the Saint Paul Animal Control Center or Department of Safety and Inspections.

If you have questions, contact our Animal Control office at 651-266-1100, or email the DSI Message Center.