Dog Licenses

About Dog Licenses

Michigan law requires that all dogs four months of age or older be licensed annually. As a service to our residents, the city sells dog licenses at the front desk of the administration offices on the main level of the Community Center.

Dog license tags now have a QR code that can be scan with any smart phone camera.  Once registered for free on PetHub.com, your pet's name and your contact information will be displayed when someone finds your dog and scans the QR code with the camera app. They can then contact you and return your pet without involving the animal shelter. 

License Facts

  • All dogs are required to have a valid rabies vaccination certificate. If the rabies expiration date expires within 30 days, you must provide proof of a current rabies vaccination and renew in person or through the mail.
  • Rabies vaccinations must be valid for at least 35 months beyond the purchase date of a three-year license. If one of these two criteria are not met, you would purchase a one-year license. 
  • Discounted license fees are provided for senior citizens and for dogs that have been spayed or neutered. (See fees below.) To qualify for senior prices a person has to be 62 years old at the time of purchase and provide proof of age.
    • Regular Fees  1 year 3 year
    Spayed or Neutered  $17 $51
    Unsterilized $26 $78

    Senior Citizen Fees  1 year 3 year
    Spayed or Neutered  $10 $30
    Unsterilized $20 $60

  • Proof of spay / neuter is required to receive the reduced rates.
  • New and renewing licenses may be purchased through the county's website by clicking this link: Kent County.
  • The dog license must be worn by the licensed dog at all times.

Reasons to License Your Dog

Licensing your dog is an important way to show you care for your pet. Dogs which are licensed are guaranteed to be free of rabies. Additionally, your dog's license number allows you to be identified and notified if your dog should stray and be picked up by animal control officers. Licensed dogs are held longer in the animal shelter if they are picked up stray. New licenses have a PetHub QR code that can identify and get your pet home faster. By licensing your dog on time, you pay the lowest possible licensing fees, and avoid potential fines for failing to license your dog. Finally, you should license your dog because it is the law.

A license tag on your dog will:
  • Help get your pet home safely, if lost
  • Reduce the chance of theft
  • Show that your dog is vaccinated against rabies
  • Spare you from a $50 violation
  • Get your pet home faster -- QR codes on new licenses allow citizens to find pet owners without pets being transported to animal shelters.