SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — San Mateo County is waiving late fees and penalties for dog and cat licenses through Nov. 30, giving pet owners a chance to renew expired licenses or register their animals without additional charges.
The county's Animal Control and Licensing program said licensing helps keep rabies vaccinations current, supports local animal control services and makes it easier to reunite lost pets with their owners.
"Keeping their rabies shots current is one of the simplest things we can do to protect them and the people around them," said Tina Cava, chief of Animal Control and Licensing at San Mateo County Health.
Rabies is present in wildlife throughout San Mateo County, with bats the most common local source. The county has averaged about two rabies-positive bats per year over the past 11 years, according to the California Department of Public Health.
Rabies is fatal once symptoms appear, but vaccination can prevent the disease. County rules require dogs and cats to be vaccinated by 3 months of age, and a current rabies vaccination certificate is required to obtain a license.
Licensing also helps fund animal control services in all 20 cities and towns in the county. The county contracts with the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA to rescue injured animals, pick up strays, investigate bites and shelter animals. One dollar from every license sold also goes toward a county spay and neuter fund that helps eligible residents pay for the procedures.
Dogs and cats must be licensed by 3 months of age or within 60 days of being acquired. New residents have 60 days to license their pets. Regular licensing fees still apply during the late-fee waiver.
Owners can apply online through PetData or by mail using the application available at the county's Animal Licensing webpage.
In-person licensing is available at:
For licensing questions, call PetData at 866-925-5906. To report a lost or found pet, contact the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA at 650-340-7022.
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