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License a pet in California

License a pet.

In California, 52 county departments, 5 public authorities and 2 city governments publish 59 official links for this service. Reviewed requirements cover documents (14), availability notices (11), eligibility (8), appointments (2), deadlines (1) and processing time (1). 58 counties have a page for it below.

Before you start · 3 things to check

Cities can operate their own shelters or contract with another provider. Check your address and the purpose of your visit.
Sheltering, field response and pet licensing can have different service areas. County browse associations do not establish eligibility.
Appointments, owner surrender, lost-pet reclaim, adoption and emergency dispatch are distinct services. Read the official provider’s current instructions.

1 guide with reviewed service links · Marin

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California58 counties

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U.S. Census boundaries via U.S. Atlas · 2017 edition, simplified for display.

Public authority · Marin

Marin General Services Authority — animal care referral

MGSA manages the Marin Humane contract with the County and cities/towns. Marin Humane is the actual care/control provider.

Marin Humane dog-license applications & renewalOfficial instructions

MGSA names Marin Humane as the county/cities contract provider. Marin Humane publishes DocuPet, mail and shelter-counter licensing instructions. It is a nonprofit provider, not a county-owned department; bring the required rabies and applicable altered-status documents.

Existing immutable MGSA evidence naming the contracted operator; no legal government identity created for the nonprofit

Marin Humane (MH) operates a county-wide animal care and control services program through a contract and partnership with the County and the cities and towns of Marin. The MGSA manages the MH contract in partnership with the County. Animal Services was added as a program for MGSA in 2015 and has included facilitating contract negotiations with MH, annual budget development, and resolution of various animal related issues with stakeholders.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 26, 2026

Marin Humane — MGSA county/cities contract provider · Dog licensing (opens in a new tab)

Dog licensing — license marin

Marin Humane is the dog licensing agency for Marin County, and we’ve partnered with DocuPet to bring you a better licensing experience! When you register your dog in Marin County, you will receive a unique license tag to attach to their collar. You’ll have the option to select a standard license tag at no additional charge, or upgrade to a colorful designer tag for an additional fee. We can also help you: By mail: Send a completed license application to: Marin Humane, Attn: Licensing, 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato, CA 94949 In person: Come to the shelter during business hours. Be sure to bring your dog’s rabies certificate, and if applicable the spay/neuter documentation. If you have questions about licensing or need help with your transaction, please contact licensing support at 1-877-239-6072 or email info@docupet.com In addition to Marin Humane’s role as non-profit animal shelter, we’re responsible for the enforcement of county and municipal animal services ordinances (including licensing) through a Joint Powers Agreement contract with the County of Marin. A dog license is required by law for all dogs over the age of four months who live in Marin County.

Saved evidence: be39f836005977db · Agent source review

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License a pet in California

Marin General Services Authority — animal care referral

License a pet by county