Dog Licenses
Dog Licensing is Required.
Benefits of licensing
Pet licensing is important for your pet and family's well-being. The many benefits to licensing include:
- If your pet is impounded, the owner of a licensed dog is much easier to identify and contact providing quicker return of your pet. According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, only 15-20% of impounded dogs are returned to their owners, mostly because they cannot be identified. A license tag is a critical way to get your pet back if it gets loose.
- An unlicensed dog costs at least three times as much to recover from the pound as a licensed pet.
- City ordinance requires that any impounded, unaltered pet be spayed or neutered at tthe owner's expense before it is returned. if the owner is contacted within the legal holding period, they have the option of requesting a hearing on the matter. Since it is easier for animal control to identify the owner of a licensed pet, this gives a pet owner greater choice regarding the reproductive condition of their pet.
- A licensed dog is held for 7 days before being put up for adoption. An unlicensed dog is only held for 5 days.
A dog requires a license in the city of Albany when it has reached 4 months of age. You will need a certificate of rabies vaccination that your veterinarian can easily supply to you at the time of vaccination. While rare in California, rabies is a fatal disease that can spread to humans and other pets. It is the responsibility of the pet owner to ensure that pets are vaccinated against rabies at all times. Talk to your veterinarian to establish a vaccination schedule for your pet and make sure you stick to it. Among other things, the license is proof that your pet has been inoculated.
A license can be purchased for one to three years, depending on the duration of the vaccination. See the chart below for prices and note that the longer the license, the less costly it is per year. Come to the Finance Department at City Hall located at 1000 San Pablo Avenue and we'll issue your license and press a tag for your pet. The Finance Department is open Monday from 8:30a.m.-7p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30a.m.-5:00p.m. and Friday from 8:30a.m.-12:30p.m. It is important to license your pet when it is four months old or within 10 days of bringing him/her home, otherwise late fees may apply.
Dog License Fees
|
Resident |
1 year |
2 years |
3 years |
|
Regular |
$16.25 |
$31.15 |
$38.80 |
|
Spayed/Neutered |
$8.10 |
$15.60 |
$19.30 |
|
Senior Citizen |
1 year |
2 years |
3 years |
|
Regular |
$3.25 |
$6.45 |
$9.75 |
|
Spayed/Neutered |
$1.65 |
$3.20 |
$4.90 |
*Blind/Assisted: Exempt
Change of Custody
If the custody of the dog changes, as long as the dog remains in Albany, the license will extend for as long as it has been paid for or whenever the rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first.
New Residents
Albany recognizes licenses from other Alameda County cities as long as the rabies vaccination is valid. If you're new to the City, contact Finance to receive an Albany license. No fees will apply until your first license renewal.
Replacement Tags
If the dog license tag is lost or destroyed, you can obtain a replacement tag by contacting the Finance Department and paying a $6.65 Dog Tag Replacement Fee.
Other Animals
Chickens and Rabbits
Only female chickens (hens) and rabbits are allowed. Roosters are not allowed! A permit allows an individual to own up to six chickens or rabbits. In order to qualify for a permit, the housing structure for either chickens or rabbits must be 50 feet from any structure not owned by the animal owner. See subsection 10-2.1 of the City's Animal Control Ordinance which discusses the humane treatment of animals. Written consent of all neighbors must be provided. Permits are issued through the Community Development Department located at 1000 San Pablo Ave. Albany, CA 94706.
Animal Breeding
For any animal allowed by permit in the City, a permit must be purchased from the Community Development Department to allow breeding.
Goats
Goats can be kept temporarily for weed abatement. One goat is allowed for every 150 square feet of land for up to 60 days, must be securely contained to prevent escape and must have adequate shelter. See section 10-6.11 of the City's Animal Control Ordinance for details. This permit costs $163.00 and is also issued through the Community Development Department.
Contact Information
Dog licensing
Finance Department
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
(510) 528-5730
Monday 8:30am-7:00pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:30am-5:00pm.
Friday 8:30am-12:30pm
Chicken/rabbit, breeding, goat permits
Community Development Department
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
(510) 528-5760
Monday 8:30am-7:00pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:30am-5:00pm.
Friday 8:30am-12:30pm
The City of Albany contracts with Berkeley for animal control and shelter services. If you need to reach someone regarding a loose dog, a missing dog, a biting animal or a dead animal, call Berkeley Animal Services at (510) 981-6600.