County Executive Hopes Licensing Changes Will Increase Number of Pet Owners Who Register

County Executive John Leopold signed into law today a measure that changes the way dog and cat licenses are issued in the county. The bill was signed at the Calvert Veterinary Center in Pasadena.

Under the new law, dog and cat licenses are issued for a three year period. Senior citizens will continue to receive free licenses if their dogs or cats are spayed or neutered.

According to Dave Abrahms, spokesman for Leopold, the county executive proposed the legislation after discussing the issue with Dr. Christine Calvert, who operates the Calvery Veterinary Center. 

"Leopold hopes that extending the duration of licenses will actually increase dog and cat registrations in Anne Arundel County and reduce administrative costs," Abrahms said.

Dog or Cat License Fees

For County Residents under 60 Years Old

County Residents 60 Years Old or on Disability

Each unspayed or unneutered dog or cat

$40

$20

For each spayed or neutered dog or cat

$10

$0

Service animal

$0

$0

In addition, the specialty license fee for any dog deemed a "potentially dangerous dog" shall be $100 annually. The fee for a dangerous animal is $250. These licenses were not extended to three years.

In addition, there have been changes to the licensing requirements for dog fanciers, cat fanciers and kennels, which are limited to one year licenses.