Licensing

Kern County Animal Services provides animal licensing services only to residents who live in the unincorporated areas of Kern County (including the unincorporated municipalities of Frazier Park, Lamont, Mojave, Oildale, and Rosamond) or in the contracted city of Tehachapi. Residents of other incorporated cities will have to go through their city agency for this service.

Which agency provides my animal licensing services?

Overview

In Kern County, dogs over four months of age are required to be licensed and vaccinated against rabies.  Residents owning or having custody of any dog must license the dog within 15 days of acquisition or within 15 days after the license becomes due.

Licensing  indicates ownership of a dog. If your licensed dog is found, Animal Services will call you.

To receive a license, the dog owner must provide Animal Services with a Rabies Vaccination Certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian.  The license is valid only as long as the rabies vaccination is current.

View complete licensing ordinance

Licensing Fees

View Fee Schedule

Purchasing / Renewing a License 

Note:  Before beginning the process, make sure you have copies of the relevant supporting documents (Original documents will not be returned.)

  • Rabies Vaccination Certificate OR Rabies Exemption Form (PDF) (Note: Veterinary receipts for vaccination will not be accepted as proof of vaccination and will delay the license application process)  

  • Spay/Neuter certificate, if applicable

  • Proof of age for senior citizens, if applicable

 
There are four ways to purchase or renew a dog license: