License Requirements

The Treasurer's Office is now accepting online payments for Animal Licenses!

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County License Information:

All dogs owned by residents of Gloucester, including military personnel, must be licensed. Licenses may be obtained by mail or in person at the Treasurer’s office. A valid rabies certificate must be presented at time of purchase. The rabies certificate should indicate if the dog has been neutered or spayed. If not, other evidence of alteration may be required.

Rabies Inoculation

All dogs, cats and ferrets by 4 months of age must have been inoculated or vaccinated against rabies by currently licensed veterinarian or by an animal technician certified pursuant to the Code of Virginia.

County License

All dogs over the age of 4 months old must have a county license. The county license must be worn on the dog at all times unless the dog is competing in a dog show or when the dog has a skin condition which would be exacerbated by the wearing of a collar. The cost of the county license is as follows:

Neutered or Spayed Dog

  • $3 for one year
  • $8 for multi-year

Unneutered or Unspayed

  • $10 for one year
  • $25 for multi-year

Click Here for Dog License Applications. The license tax for each dog is due no later than 30 days after a dog has reached the age of 4 months, or no later than 30 days after an owner acquires a dog 4 months of age or older. Such license tax shall cover a license period which runs concurrently with the rabies vaccination and shall expire upon expiration of the current rabies vaccination.

Kennels

  • $50 for kennels with not less than 5 nor more than 10 dogs
  • $100 for kennels with not less than 11 nor more than 20 dogs
  • $150 for kennels with not less than 21 nor more than 30 dogs
  • $200 for kennels with not less than 31 nor more than 40 dogs
  • $250 for kennels with not less than 41 nor more than 50 dogs

Submit the Dog License - Kennel Application (PDF). All kennel licenses shall be due on January 1 and not later than January 31 of each year. 

Cats

Cats do not require a county license.

Exotic Animal Permit

All exotic animal owners must purchase a permit within 10 working days of the animal entering the county (including animals already in the county prior to December 1, 2002). Initial permit fee is $50 per address. Annual permit renewal is $25. For additional information see Animal Laws - County Ordinances.