Pet Registration and Licensing

Information on rabies vaccination, pet registration and licensing, fees, and other frequently asked questions

Every person who owns, keeps, or harbors any dog, puppy, cat, or kitten in or around their home, place of business, or other premises within the City is responsible for having that animal vaccinated against rabies and registered with the City. No dog or cat shall be permitted to remain within city limits without the required vaccination and registration.

When to Vaccinate and Register

  • Puppies and kittens must receive their first rabies vaccination and be registered between the ages of 3 and 4 months. 
  • New arrivals to the City have a grace period of 30 days in which to obtain their registration. 
  • Visitors to the City must be able to show evidence of their pets’ immunization covering the period of their visit, but need not obtain a City registration certificate unless the pet will be kept in the city for longer than 30 days.

Vaccinations

Rabies Vaccination is Required

Due to the serious public health risk presented by the disease, rabies inoculation is the only vaccination required by City ordinance.

Most veterinarians offer 1-year or 3-year rabies vaccines. 

Vaccinations and registrations must therefore be updated every 1 or 3 years, depending on the vaccine used by your vet.

Additional Vaccinations

Other immunizations are available, and may be important in maintaining the health of your pet. 

The City’s Animal Care and Control division recommends you consult your veterinarian regarding the various ways to prevent disease in our companion animals.

Registration Fee

  • The registration fee for a pet is $50.00. 
  • Spayed or neutered pets can be registered for a discounted fee of $4.00.

Method of payment

Cashier's check or money order. Please make it out to "City of St. Louis Animal Care and Control". 

Required Documents

  • Vaccination form.
  • Proof of spay/neuter if not included in the vaccination form provided

Who Can Vaccinate

Only a licensed veterinarian can administer a rabies vaccinations. A vaccination administered by a licensed veterinarian will be considered valid. 

Tags and Registration Certificate

  • At the time of vaccination, the veterinarian will provide you with a City registration certificate. 
  • This certificate must be kept and presented for inspection upon the request of any City Animal Care and Control Officer or Police Officer. 
  • Your veterinarian will also provide you with a registration tag for your pet.
  • The registration tag must be attached to the pet’s collar or harness and worn at all times. 
  • Certificates and tags only apply to the pet for which they were issues and are not transferable to other pets.

Lost Tags or Certificate

If you lost your certificate, or your pet loses their tag, bring proof of your pet’s current rabies immunization to our 1520 Market Street location, downtown St. Louis, and a new one will be issued at a cost of $1.00.

Animals Vaccinated by a Veterinarian Outside of the City of St. Louis

If your pet was vaccinated by a veterinarian who did not have City of St. Louis tags available, you or someone on your behalf will need to register your pet with the City of St. Louis. Come in person to the Animal Care and Control administrative offices at:

1520 Market St., Suite 4051 (Downtown St. Louis)
St. Louis, MO 63103. 

Monday-Friday from 8am - 4:30pm.

If you have questions, call Animal Care and Control at (314) 657-1500

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