Pet Licensing

Why are licenses necessary?

Licenses help us identify lost pets and reunite them with their owners and help us determine which of those lost pets have or have not had a rabies vaccination. The annual renewal reminders help Winnebago County residents stay current on their pets' rabies vaccinations and pet license. All dogs and cats over four months of age should be licensed in Winnebago County.

Costs of licenses:

Owners must purchase a pet license every year whether your dog or cat has a one year rabies vaccination or three year rabies vaccination.

Spaying and neutering not only helps reduce the population of unwanted animals, it also saves you money on licensing!

1- Year License
License for altered dog: $15.00
License for unaltered dog: $30.00
License for altered cat: $10.00
License for an unaltered cat: $20.00

If owners fail to purchase a license within 30 days of obtaining a new animal or moving to Winnebago County, the pet owner will be charged double the pet license fee. If your pet is exempt from a rabies vaccination due to a health problem, a letter is required from your veterinarian stating why.

If you receive a letter from Winnebago County Animal Services stating your pet is late in receiving its rabies vaccination and pet license. The rabies vaccination will be administered by your veterinarian, but you may be required to come to Winnebago County Animal Services to purchase the pet license and pay the required late fee.

How do I license my pet?

Renewals may be done at Winnebago County Animal Services, with a veterinarian or through the mail. Renewals by mail may be paid for by check. Keep a copy of your completed form, with check number and mailing date for your records.

Waiting Period for mail-in renewals: We process mail-in renewals once a week. For your protection, in case your pet gets lost or finds their way to Winnebago County Animal Services, keep a copy of your mailed form with necessary documentation. If you can't provide proof of vaccinations when reclaiming your lost pet, a non-refundable fee for the rabies vaccination and pet license must be paid at the time of reclaim.
How do I replace a lost license?

Come to Winnebago County Animal Services with your licensing paperwork, identification, and proof of rabies shots and spay/neutering. Once the information has been verified, staff will make a new license on the spot. A duplicate license is $1.00. This process cannot be done at veterinarians or through the mail.

Which animals have to be licensed?

All dogs and cats over four month of age must have a rabies vaccination and pet license according to Winnebago County ordinances. All pet licenses are good for one year only and must be renewed when they expire. If you have a three year rabies vaccination, you are required to license your pet every year.

Can you send me a reminder?

Reminder postcards are sent out stating when licenses are due, and the cost of the license is double if you are more than 30 days late.

Can I purchase a three year pet license?

No. Even if your pet has a three rabies vaccination, you are required to purchase a pet license every year.

What happens if I don't license my pets?

If your pet gets lost and is brought into Winnebago County Animal Services, we will have no way of contacting you unless your pet has a microchip. You will be required to pay additional fees when reclaiming your pet.