Kern County Animal Services

Why License?

In accordance with state and local laws, pet licenses are mandatory in Kern County. In fact, licenses are mandatory in nearly every community across North America. Why? Because licenses help keep pets and the communities they live in safe. DocuPet was brought on board to simplify and improve pet licensing to benefit not only pet owners like you, but the entire community. DocuPet makes it easy for Kern County Animal Services to deliver a successful pet licensing program with a streamlined software and management solution that makes licensing a breeze for pet owners and administrators alike.

Check out the ways you can license your pet below and feel good knowing that 100% of licensing revenue funds are given to Kern County Animal Services to support important animal welfare initiatives helping to improve your community.

What will you need?

Licensing your pet will require specific information and proof. Having these items at the ready allows for the fastest experience. You have the option to upload a document as a saved or scanned file, or you may take a photo directly from your device on our upload page.

Payment

We securely process payment online and accept all major credit and debit cards as forms of payment.

Documents

Spay/Neuter proof example

Spay/neuter certificate

This document is required to qualify for the discounted rate and is only needed once and will be saved to your pet’s profile upon upload for future renewals. This proof declaring that your pet has been spayed or neutered may be in the form of a statement or receipt from the veterinarian, shelter, or clinic that performed the procedure.

Rabies proof example

Rabies vaccination proof

This document serves as formal proof that your pet has received a California-approved rabies vaccination. This document may be in the form of a Rabies Vaccination Certificate that has been signed by a veterinarian or certified professional. It is the law that pets must be up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations, so new documents will need to be uploaded to your pets profile as they receive their booster shots.

How to License

  • Online
  • In-person
  • Mail
  • Phone

The fastest and easiest way to license or renew is right here. You’ll create a profile for your pet, upload any necessary documents, process your license registration, and receive purchase confirmations via email. Payment can be made using a credit card or Visa/Mastercard debit card. Each year, you just need to log in to your existing account and renew - it’s super easy!

Renew my pet's license

My pet has a license, but it has expired or will very soon.

Renew now

License a pet for the first time

I've never licensed a pet with Kern County before.

License now

In person licensing is available at the following location(s) however it’s important to know you will still receive your tag in the mail:

Don’t forget to check hours of operation, appointment policies, and accepted payment methods prior to heading out.

Kern County Animal Services
3951 Fruitvale Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93308

If you opt to license via snail mail - keep in mind processing your registration will take a lot longer!

Make sure you complete the below form in full and that it is free of any errors otherwise your registration may not be successfully processed. The fine print is there for a reason so keep an eye out for accepted payment methods, who the check should be made out to, where it should be mailed, and any required supporting documentation.

Pet license form

Download Application Form

If you’re having trouble licensing online and need to get your registration processed in a hurry, you can contact our customer care team and they may be able to process your pet license over the phone. Note that you must have up to date spay/neuter or rabies documents on file and we can only accept credit cards and Visa/Mastercard debit as payment.

DocuPet Customer Care: 1-877-239-6072
Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday (excluding holidays) from 6:00am-6:00pm PST

Kern County Details & Fees

Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in Kern County. Licenses are available for 1 and 3 year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Fee Senior's Fee (62+)
Dog License - 1 Year (Spayed / Neutered) $15.00 $5.00
Dog License - 1 Year (Intact) $60.00 N/A
Dog License - 3 Year (Spayed / Neutered) $30.00 $15.00
Dog License - 3 Year (Intact) $120.00 N/A
Voluntary Cat License - 1 Year $5.00 N/A
Fee Senior's Fee (62+)
Dog License - 1 Year (Spayed / Neutered) $15.00 $5.00
Dog License - 1 Year (Intact) $60.00 N/A
Dog License - 3 Year (Spayed / Neutered) $30.00 $15.00
Dog License - 3 Year (Intact) $120.00 N/A
Voluntary Cat License - 1 Year $5.00 N/A

Voluntary cat licenses are available in Kern County. Although not required, licensing your cat is a great way to help ensure their safety.

A replacement Kern County tag is available for a $5.00 fee or at no additional charge when you license your pet.

A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.

All licenses expire the day they were purchased 1 or 3 years in the future depending on the term of the license purchased, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.

A spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.

A non-compliance fee of $20 is issued along with a $100 correctable citation 30-days post-license expiration.

Pet owners must be 62 or older to qualify for senior citizen rates. The senior's rate is applicable to the first three spayed/neutered dogs only.

Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.

Frequently Asked Questions

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HELP DESK

Visit our Help Desk for more information: https://docupetinc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us

LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS

You may license in person at Kern County Animal Services located at 3951 Fruitvale Ave Bakersfield CA 93308.

Licenses expire based on the number of years selected after the license start date. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new license will start the day after expiration, not on the date of purchase. Rabies must be valid during the time of renewal.

Licenses are required to be renewed prior to the expiration date depending on the length of the license term you purchased.

All pets over the age of 4 months are required to be licensed.

You may renew your pet's license within 60 days of your pet's current license expiration date. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new license will start the day after expiration, not on the date of purchase.

Please ensure you have all the required documentation in order to licence your pet. If you have all the records you need to proceed you can license your pet online, or in person at Kern County Animal Services located at 3951 Fruitvale Ave Bakersfield CA 93308.
If this is your first time licensing a pet in Kern County, click here to learn more.
If you already have an account with us or have ever licensed a pet with Kern County Animal Services click here to learn more.

Temporary licenses expire after 30 days. To convert a temporary license into a full license, you must provide new proof of rabies expiration prior to the temporary license expiration date. With the provision of a rabies expiration date in the future, your pet's license will be extended to the full term originally selected.

As per California State law, a pet license may not be valid at anytime a pet's rabies vaccination is expired.

PROGRAM AND PARTNERSHIP

You may have entered your address incorrectly or we may not have your address in the address database for your community. Please double-check all spelling and ensure you are using the abbreviated form for your street type ex. St instead of Street. You may contact Kern County Animal Services directly if you believe you reside within their jurisdiction but your address is not being accepted by the system.

FEES AND FINES

Kern County Animal Services does not offer any special rates for service animals and are required to be licensed as all other dogs. Please call (661) 868-7100 to directly to discuss.

If your community requires proof of spay/neuter for your pet in order to receive a discounted licensing rate, you will need to upload the appropriate documentation stating that your pet has been spayed/neutered to your online account. Once the documentation has been approved by Kern County Animal Services, you will be eligible to receive the new discounted rate. Otherwise, you can visit Kern County Animal Services in person at 3951 Fruitvale Ave Bakersfield CA 93308 and show proof of spay/neuter there.

No, there is no discount for licensing multiple pets. Each pet will be charged the appropriate licensing fee.

Kern County Animal Services does not offer any special rates for veterans. Please call (661) 868-7100 to directly to discuss.

Please visit Kern County Animal Services in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. They are located at 3951 Fruitvale Ave Bakersfield CA 93308. Once the team there verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.

Those aged 62 and older may qualify for a senior citizen rate. Your pet must be spayed/neutered to receive the senior rate.

Visit this page for licensing options and fees: Kern County Licensing Fees

ACCOUNT UPDATES

If you are moving, please be sure to update your address by logging into your online account and navigating to your Profile Settings page. Even though you are moving, you’ll still be able to keep your pet's tag and access your pet's online account. However, your current license may not be valid in the new community you are moving to. Please get in touch with the pet licensing provider in the new community you are moving to in order to find out more information.

CITY INFORMATION AND CITY ORDINANCES

Please get in touch with Kern County Animal Services at (661) 868-7100.

The following species are required to be licensed: Dogs are mandatory and cats are voluntary

Visit this page for information on licensing ordinances/bylaws: Kern County Code

DOCUMENT SUBMISSION

To license your pet, you will be required to show proof that the pet's rabies vaccination is current. Documentation is also required to verify that a pet has been spayed or neutered and must be provided in order to receive the discounted rate. Requiring documentation ensures that provided pet information is accurate, which is critical for identification and safety reasons.

Documentation uploaded via the online system is typically reviewed within two to three business days.

To license your pet, you will be required to show proof that the pet's rabies vaccination is current. Documentation is also required to verify that a pet has been spayed or neutered and must be provided in order to receive the discounted rate. Requiring documentation ensures that provided pet information is accurate, which is critical for identification and safety reasons.

You will need to complete the required paperwork and visit Kern County Animal Services in person to qualify for rabies exemption.

A valid rabies proof is required to purchase a pet license. A 30-day temporary license may be issued if you do not have rabies proof at the time of licensing. Proof of spay/neuter is required to receive the discounted altered rates.

If you can’t locate the document you received after the procedure was done, you will need to contact your vet to obtain your pet's records. Be sure to specify any and all pets you require documentation for.
Once you’ve got the paperwork in your hands, take a look to ensure:

  • The document provided is the right type of proof required.
  • Pet and pet owner account data matches your own.
  • The document is clear and legible.