Who Needs an Alachua County License Tag?
Every dog, cat, and ferret that lives in Alachua County has to have an Alachua County License Tag. Additionally, all dogs and cats must wear the tag at all times (excepting during recognized sporting or exhibition events).
New Alachua County residents have 30 days from the date they move into Alachua County to purchase their Alachua County Tag. A tag from another county does not fulfill the Alachua County licensing requirements.
Why do I Need a License Tag?
A license tag is proof that your pet is registered with Alachua County. It acts as an ID tag if your pet is ever lost. It is also proof that your pet is currently vaccinated for rabies. If a pet comes into Alachua County Animal Services wearing a currently registered license tag, they are held for longer than the usual three business days while we try to make contact with the owner.
Where can I get my License Tag?
Your pet must have a current rabies vaccination in order to get a license tag. If your pet needs a rabies vaccine, you can go to any of the vets in Alachua County who sell the Alachua County License Tag and get it directly from them at the time of the vaccine. The cost of a tag purchased from a veterinarian is $15.00 for a dog, or $8.00 for a cat.
You can also get a rabies vaccination and license tag at Alachua County Animal Services. Currently the cost of a rabies vaccine and tag is $21.00 for a dog, or $14.00 for a cat. Rabies vaccinations are given Tuesday through Friday, from 9:30am to 2:00pm.
If you already have a rabies vaccination, there are three ways to purchase your Alachua County License Tag:
- 1. In Person
- This is the fastest way to obtain your tag. Bring your rabies vaccination certificate with you to Alachua County Animal Services and pay the licensing fee. You will get your license tag at that time. Additionally, if you come into Animal Services the same day as your vaccine, (or our next business day if your pet is vaccinated on a day the shelter is closed), then you will pay a reduced fee for your pet's license tag.
- 2. By Fax
- You can fax a copy of your rabies certificate to Alachua County Animal Services. The fax number is 352-955-2542. If you include a contact number, then we can call you back to pay for the tag over the phone. We can accept Visa or Master Card. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks to get your tags through the mail.
- 3. By Mail
- You can mail a copy of your rabies certificate to Alachua County Animal Services along with a check or money order for the licensing fee. Please do not send cash through the mail. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks to get your tags through the mail. The address to send licensing payments is: 3400 NE 53rd Ave. Gainesville, FL 32609
The licensing fees are dependent on whether or not your pet is spayed or neutered (sterilized). A sterilized dog license is $20.00, while an unsterilized dog license is $35.00. A sterilized cat license is $10.00, while an unsterilized cat license is $18.00. The Alachua County Ordinance Code states you must purchase your tag within 30 days of the rabies vaccination.
My Pet is too Sick to be Vaccinated. Do I Still Need a Tag?
Yes, even if your pet cannot be vaccinated, they are still required to have a license tag. You will need to bring a written statement from your veterinarian exempting your animal from the rabies vaccination. You can then purchase the tag over the counter. Medical exemptions and license tags are only good for one year. They will need to be renewed each year. The cost for an exempt tag is $15.00 for a dog, or $8.00 for a cat.
What if I Lose my License Tag?
As long as the rabies vaccination is still current, you can purchase a replacement tag through Alachua County Animal Services. A replacement tag is only $3.00. The replacement tag replaces the previous tag, and is only good until the vaccine expires.