Licensing: Why We Do It

All dogs over the age of four months are required by law to be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. The licensing law was implemented as a heath issue related to rabies. It also keeps an updated record of ownership. Residents owning or having custody of any dog must license the dog within 15 days after the license becomes due. Residents must provide proof of a California-approved rabies vaccination to obtain a license (OCCO 4-1-70). License discounts are often offered for spay and neutered animals and pets of senior citizens. Applications and fees are usually available on the city’s Web site and can be obtained in-person or by mail. The following city agencies provide licenses to dogs and cats:

Costa Mesa Animal Control (714) 754-5311

Serves Costa Mesa only. 99  Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. www.ci.costa-mesa.ca.us

Harbor Animal Care and Control Shelter

(888) 452-7381

Carson, Gardena, Harbor City, Lomita, San Pedro, Torrance and Wilmington. 957 N. Gaffey St., San Pedro. www.laanimalservices.com

Irvine Animal Care Center (949) 724-7740

Serves Irvine only. 6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine. www.irvineshelter.org

La Habra Animal Control (562) 905-9771

Serves La Habra only. Licensing through La Habra police department. 201 E. La habra Blvd. www.ci.la-habra.ca.us

Laguna Beach Animal Shelter (949) 497-3552

Serves Laguna Beach and Laguna Woods. 2093 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach.

Long Beach Animal Care Services (562) 570-7387

Serves Cerritos, Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach and Signal Hill.  7700 E. Spring St. www.longbeach.gov/acs

Mission Viejo Animal Services Center (949) 470-3045

Serves Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel and Aliso Viejo only. www.cmvas.org

OC Animal Care (714) 935-6848, (949) 249-5160

Licensing can now be completed online and can also be downloaded from the website and may be completed in-person or by mail (see “Emergency Resources” for a complete list of cities). 561 The City Drive South, Orange. www.ocpetinfo.com

Dana Point, Newport Beach and San Clemente Animal Licenses (800) 509-8127

Also serves Newport Coast, Corona Del Mar, Balboa and Monarch Beach.  www.petdata.com

Santa Ana Animal Control (714) 647-5257

Santa Ana only. www.ci.santa-ana.ca.us

Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (562) 803-3301

Licensing for the cities of Bellflower (call above number); Buena Park (call above number); Downey, (562) 904-7246; Lakewood (call above number); Norwalk, (562) 929-5711;  Paramount, (562) 220-2018; Santa Fe Springs, (562) 409-1850; and South Gate (call above number). Fees vary by city. www.seaaca.org

Westminster Animal Control (714) 548-3201

Westminster only. www.ci.westminster.ca.us