Beginning Nov. 1, Chesterfield County will offer a lifetime dog license for $10 at the county treasurer’s office, the animal shelter and several local businesses.
Licenses, which are required, are valid for the life of the dog as long as the owner resides in the county. Annual renewals are no longer required.
Owners are required to purchase the mandatory license no later than 30 days after the dog turns four months old, or no later than 30 days after the owner acquires a dog four months or older. Licenses are not transferable to a new owner.
Getting a dog licensed protects the dog and helps your community. If the dog is lost, a license drastically improves the chances of getting the dog back. It also lets people know that the dog is up-to-date on its rabies vaccination, as licensing can only be done after a dog is properly vaccinated.
The license becomes void 30 days after the vaccine expires. The cost of a license is far less than the penalty for not having one. Failure to purchase a license is a misdemeanor, which can carry up a fine of up to $250.
License fees also support the work of the local animal shelter – including housing and care for thousands of stray and abandoned animals each year – and investigations into neglect and cruelty, emergency rescue and response, adoption, community outreach and education.
Kennel fees remain the same, and kennel licenses must be renewed by Jan. 31 each year.
For more information, as well as the application and a list of businesses where dog licenses can be purchased, visit chesterfield.gov/doglicense.
