Chula Vista pet licensing
Why license?
In accordance with state and local laws, pet licenses are mandatory in the cities that Chula Vista Animal Services serves. In fact, licenses are mandatory in nearly every community across North America. Why? Because licenses help keep pets and the communities they live in safe. DocuPet was brought on board to simplify and improve pet licensing to benefit not only pet owners like you, but the entire community. DocuPet makes it easy for Chula Vista Animal Services to deliver a successful pet licensing program with a streamlined software and management solution that makes licensing a breeze for pet owners and administrators alike.
What will you need?
Licensing your pet will require specific information and proof. Having these items at the ready allows for the fastest experience. You have the option to upload a document as a saved or scanned file, or you may take a photo directly from your device on our upload page.
Payment
We securely process payment online and accept all major credit and debit cards as forms of payment.
Documents
Rabies vaccination proof
This document serves as formal proof that your pet has received a California-approved rabies vaccination. This document may be in the form of a Rabies Vaccination Certificate that has been signed by a veterinarian or certified professional. It is the law that pets must be up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations, so new documents will need to be uploaded to your pets profile as they receive their booster shots.
How to license
Online
The fastest and easiest way to license or renew is right here. You'll create a profile for your pet, upload any necessary documents, process your license registration, and receive purchase confirmations via email. Payment can be made using a credit card or Visa/Mastercard debit card. Each year, you just need to log in to your existing account and renew - it's super easy!
License a pet for the first time
I've never licensed a pet with Chula Vista Animal Services before.
License nowIn-person
In person licensing is available at the following location(s) however it's important to know you will still receive your tag in the mail:
Don't forget to check hours of operation, appointment policies, and accepted payment methods prior to heading out.
Chula Vista Animal Services
130 Beyer Way, Chula Vista, CA 91911
If you opt to license via snail mail - keep in mind processing your registration will take a lot longer!
Make sure you complete the below form in full and that it is free of any errors otherwise your registration may not be successfully processed. The fine print is there for a reason so keep an eye out for accepted payment methods, who the check should be made out to, where it should be mailed, and any required supporting documentation.
Pet license form (English)
Formulario de licencia para mascotas (Español)
Phone
If you're unable to complete your pet's license online, you can contact our Customer Care team for assistance. Please note that licenses are primarily designed to be completed online, and phone support is intended for troubleshooting or special circumstances.
You must have up-to-date rabies documentation on file. We can accept credit cards and Visa/Mastercard debit cards for payment.
DocuPet Customer Care: 1-877-239-6072
Hours of Operation:Monday-Saturday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM PST (excluding holidays)Sunday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM PST
License fees & details
Chula Vista Animal Services is contracted to issue licenses in the following communities
City of Chula Vista Fees & Details
Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in the City of Chula Vista. Licenses are available for 1, 2, or 3 year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.
| Dog Licenses | 1 Year Fee | 2 Year Fee | 3 Year Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altered Dog | $20.00 | $25.00 | $30.00 |
| Unaltered Dog | $40.00 | $50.00 | $60.00 |
| Service Dog | Fee |
|---|---|
| Service Dog License | $0.00 |
- A replacement tag is available for $10.00 fee.
- A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
- All licenses expire the day they were purchased, 1, 2, or 3 years in the future depending on the term of the license purchased, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
- When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
- Failure to license your pet may result in a fine.
- A late fee of $20 will apply 30 days following license expiration.
- Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.
City of Lemon Grove Fees & Details
Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in the City of Lemon Grove. Licenses are available for 1 or 3 year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.
| Dog Licenses | 1 Year Fee | 3 Year Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Altered Dog | $15.00 | $35.00 |
| Unaltered Dog | $40.00 | $75.00 |
| Service Dog | Fee |
|---|---|
| Service Dog License | $0.00 |
- A replacement tag is available for a $5.00 fee.
- A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
- All licenses expire the day they were purchased, 1 or 3 years in the future depending on the term of the license purchased, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
- When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
- Late fees apply 30 days following license expiration.
- Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.
Frequently asked questions
LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS
Do licenses need to be renewed annually?
Licenses are required to be renewed prior to the expiration date each year.
Why does my pet's license expire on their rabies vaccination expiration date?
As per California State law, a pet license may not be valid at anytime a pet's rabies vaccination is expired.
What jurisdictions does Chula Vista Animal Services provide licensing services for?
Chula Vista Animal Services provides licensing services for the following areas:
- City of Chula Vista
- City of Lemon Grove
When does my pet's temporary license expire?
Temporary licenses expire after 60 days. To convert a temporary license into a full license you must provide new proof of rabies expiration prior to the temporary license expiration date. If the rabies expiration date extends beyond the original term selected, your pet's license may be extended to the full term originally selected. If the newly provided rabies expiration date falls prior to the term end, the new license expiration date will be the same as the rabies vaccination expiration date.
How old does my pet need to be for me to license them?
All pets over the age of 4 months are required to be licensed.
When does my pet's license expire?
Licenses expire at the end of the license term selected unless your pet's current rabies vaccination expiration date falls prior to the end of the term. A license cannot be valid at any time if a pet's rabies is expired. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new license will start the day after expiration, not on the date of purchase.
PROGRAM AND PARTNERSHIP
What if I have a question about the DocuPet system?
DocuPet has a Help Center that houses many helpful articles about the DocuPet system, communications, and other information that is not specific to your licensing jurisdiction. Visit the Help Center Here.
PROGRAM AND PARTNERSHIP
Why does the system say my address is not valid?
You may have entered your address incorrectly or we may not have your address in the address database for your community. Please double-check all spelling and ensure you are using the abbreviated form for your street type ex. St instead of Street. You may contact Chula Vista Animal Services directly if you believe you reside within their jurisdiction but your address is not being accepted by the system.
FEES AND FINES
My pet qualifies for the service animal rate. What do I do?
Please visit Chula Vista Animal Services in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. Once the team there verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.
What is the fee for licensing?
Visit this page for licensing options and fees.
What is the processing fee?
A processing fee of $2.00 per license product applies to all online orders.
My pet has been designated as a dangerous dog and needs to pay a special rate. What do I do?
Please visit Chula Vista Animal Services in person if you are qualifying for this rate. They are located at 130 Beyer Way in Chula Vista.
Is there a discount for licensing multiple pets?
No, there is no discount for licensing multiple pets. Each pet will be charged the appropriate licensing fee.
Why am I being charged a late fee?
Late fees come into effect if a license is not renewed within 30 days of the original expiration date.
TAGS
How do I receive my tag if I don't have a current address?
Please visit in person at Chula Vista Animal Services located at 130 Beyer Way in Chula Vista and they will be able to assist you.
CITY INFORMATION AND CITY ORDINANCES
Who do I call if there’s an emergency involving dogs? (dog attack, loose dog, etc.)
Please get in touch with Chula Vista Animal Services at (619) 476-2476.
Where can I find information about the pet licensing ordinance/bylaw?
Visit the pages below for information on licensing ordinances and bylaws:
What species are required to be licensed in the cities Chula Vista Animal Services serves?
The following species are required to be licensed: Dogs
DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
Why won't the system allow me to license without a new rabies document?
To license your pet, you will be required to show proof that the pet's rabies vaccination is current. Requiring documentation ensures that provided pet information is accurate, which is critical for identification and safety reasons.
Why do I have to upload rabies document for my pet?
To license your pet, you will be required to show proof that the pet's rabies vaccination is current. Requiring documentation ensures that provided pet information is accurate, which is critical for identification and safety reasons.
Can I still license my pet if I don’t have the required documentation?
Yes! A temporary license can be issued while you gather your documents. Just follow one of the licensing methods listed above to get started. Please note that proof must be submitted before the temporary license expires, otherwise a new license will need to be purchased.
My pet is rabies exempt, what do I do?
You will need to complete the required paperwork and visit Chula Vista Animal Services in person to qualify for rabies exemption.
How long does it take for my pet’s documents to be reviewed?
Documentation uploaded via the online system is reviewed within two to three business days.
What documentation is required to purchase a license?
A valid rabies proof is required to purchase a pet license. A 60 day temporary license may be issued if you do not have rabies proof at the time of licensing.
I just adopted my pet, but the information on the rabies vaccination certificate does not match my information. What should I do?
If the rabies vaccination certificate does not match your information because the pet was adopted, we recommend contacting Chula Vista Animal Services directly so their team can review and approve the documentation. We suggest reaching out to confirm that you have all required documentation, which may include adoption paperwork, in order to license your pet.
Where can I obtain a copy of my pet’s rabies document?
If you can’t locate the document you received after the procedure was done, you will need to contact your vet to obtain your pet's records. Be sure to specify any and all pets you require documentation for.
Once you’ve got the paperwork in your hands, take a look to ensure:
- The document provided is the right type of proof required.
- Pet and pet owner account data matches your own.
- The document is clear and legible.