Pet Licensing


By law, dogs and cats over 4 months of age must wear current rabies and pet license tags. It can save your pet's life. An immediately visible license tag on your pet's collar is the fastest way to be reunited with your lost pet and is only issued with proof of regular vaccination against the deadly rabies virus. The rabies tag issued by your veterinarian is not your county license.

How do I obtain a County License?

Residents of the municipalities of Rockville City and Gaithersburg City must license their pets with their respective municipality.  For pet licensing information, Rockville City residents should call 240-314-8937 and Gaithersburg City residents should call 301-258-6343.

For Montgomery County residents, there are 3 different ways to obtain a pet license. If you have received a notice to comply from an Animal Services Officer, you must come in person with your notice to the shelter to obtain your pet license.

Your pet's rabies vaccination must be valid for at least two months (60 days) in order to purchase a pet license. County licenses are based on vaccine dates. A 1-year license can be from 2-12 months depending on the date your pet was vaccinated. If your pet's rabies vaccine expires within two months you will need to have your pet re-vaccinated before purchasing your pet license. You can do this at our Free Rabies Vaccine Clinics!

Please note that the mailing address for license renewals has changed. If you are submitting your renewal by mail, please send to: Montgomery County MD, Animal Licensing C/O PetData PO Box 141929 Irving, TX 75014.

 

Online - 3 weeks to receive

Payment type: Credit card
Visit  PetData  to purchase your license online.

If you wish to obtain a license online, you will need:

  • A digital copy of your pet's rabies certificate.
  • Credit card

Once you complete the online forms, you will receive your license by mail in approximately 3 weeks. 

 

By Mail - 3 weeks to receive

Payment type: Check or money order

To obtain a license by mail, please print and complete this  application . The application must include a copy of your pet's rabies certificate and method of payment. Make checks payable to Montgomery County, MD Please mail to: 

Montgomery County, MD Animal Licensing
C/O PetData
PO Box 141929 • Irving, TX 75014

Once your application has been received and processed, you will received your license by mail in approximately 3 weeks.

 

In Person - On the spot

Payment type: Cash, check, or credit card

The only way to obtain a license immediately is to visit our facility in person. 
To purchase a license, please bring:

  • Copy of rabies certificate
  • Method of payment

Please leave your pets at home.

If your dog or cat is allergic to the rabies vaccine, per your veterinarian, an exemption is required. An exemption request must be submitted and is considered by the State Veterinarian on a case by case basis. If approved, you would bring that document to MCASAC to purchase your County Pet License. In any event, a Pet License is required and a rabies vaccination certificate or an exemption certificate must be provided.  For more information, click here.

We also offer free Rabies Vaccination Clincs several times throughout the year.

Free Rabies Vaccination Clinics