Long Beach pet licensing
Why license?
In accordance with state and local laws, pet licenses are mandatory in the cities that Long Beach Animal Care Services serves. 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 Long Beach Animal Care 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 LBACS 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
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 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
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!
License a pet for the first time
I've never licensed a pet with Long Beach Animal Care Services before
License nowIn-person
In person licensing is available at the following location 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.
Long Beach Animal Care Services
7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach CA 90815
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 (English)
- Download the Long Beach application form
- Download the Cerritos application form
- Download the Signal Hill application form
Formulario de licencia para mascotas (Español)
Phone
If you're unable to complete your pet's license online, you can contact our Customer Care team for assistance. Please note that licenses are primarily designed to be completed online, and phone support is intended for troubleshooting or special circumstances.
You must have up-to-date spay/neuter or rabies documentation on file. We can accept credit cards and Visa/Mastercard debit cards for payment.
DocuPet Customer Care: 1-877-239-6072
Hours of Operation:Monday-Saturday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM PDT (excluding holidays)Sunday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM PDT
License fees & details
Long Beach Animal Care Services is contracted to issue licenses in the following communities
Long Beach Fees & Details
Pet licenses are required for all dogs and cats living in Long Beach. Licenses are available for 1 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.
| Dog Licenses | 1 Year Fee |
|---|---|
| Dog - Unaltered | $250.00 |
| Dog Unaltered - Senior | $125.00 |
| Dog - Altered | $28.00 |
| Dog Altered - Senior | $14.00 |
| Dog - Vicious Animal | $1,125.00 |
| Cat Licenses | 1 Year Fee |
|---|---|
| Cat - Altered | $12.00 |
| Cat Altered - Senior | $6.00 |
- A replacement tag is available for a $10.00 fee.
- A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
- A spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.
- All licenses expire the day they were purchased, 1 year in the future, 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.
- Pet owners must be 60 or older to qualify for senior citizen rates.
- A late fee of $15.00 will apply 60 days following license expiration.
- Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.
Cerritos Fees & Details
Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in Cerritos. Licenses are available for 1 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.
| Dog Licenses | 1 Year Fee |
|---|---|
| Dog - Unaltered | $250.00 |
| Dog Unaltered - Senior | $125.00 |
| Dog - Altered | $28.00 |
| Dog Altered - Senior | $14.00 |
| Dog - Vicious Animal | $1,125.00 |
- A replacement tag is available for a $10.00 fee.
- A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
- A spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.
- All licenses expire the day they were purchased, 1 year in the future, 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.
- Pet owners must be 60 or older to qualify for senior citizen rates.
- A late fee of $15.00 will apply 60 days following license expiration.
- Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.
Signal Hill Fees & Details
Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in Signal Hill. Licenses are available for 1 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.
| Dog Licenses | 1 Year Fee |
|---|---|
| Dog - Unaltered | $250.00 |
| Dog Unaltered - Senior | $125.00 |
| Dog - Altered | $28.00 |
| Dog Altered - Senior | $14.00 |
| Dog - Vicious Animal | $1,125.00 |
- A replacement tag is available for a $10.00 fee.
- A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
- A spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.
- All licenses expire the day they were purchased, 1 year in the future, 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.
- Pet owners must be 60 or older to qualify for senior citizen rates.
- A late fee of $15.00 will apply 60 days following license expiration.
- Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.
Frequently asked questions
HELP DESK
Still have a question that you have not been able to answer?
Visit our Help Desk for more information: https://docupetinc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us
PROGRAM AND PARTNERSHIP
What is the customer facing DocuPet website?
Long Beach Animal Care Services pet owner DocuPet website url is louisvilleky.docupet.com
Why does the system say my address is not valid?
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 Long Beach Animal Care Services directly if you believe you reside within their jurisdiction but your address is not being accepted by the system.
Why does the system say my address is not valid?
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 Long Beach Animal Care Services or DocuPet directly if you believe you reside within their jurisdiction but your address is not being accepted by the system.
LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS
When does my pet's temporary license expire?
Temporary licenses expire after 90 days. To convert a temporary license into a full license you must provide new proof of rabies vaccination prior to the temporary license expiration date. If the newly provided rabies expiration date falls prior to the term end, the new license expiration date will be the same as the rabies vaccination expiration date.
Why does my pet's license expire on their rabies vaccination expiration date?
As per California State law, a pet license may not be valid at anytime a pet's rabies vaccination is expired.
What jurisdictions does Long Beach Animal Care Services provide licensing services for?
Long Beach Animal Care Services provides licensing services for the following areas: Long Beach, Signal Hill, Cerritos, Los Alamitos
Do licenses need to be renewed annually?
Licenses are required to be renewed prior to the expiration date each year.
When does my pet's license expire?
Licenses expire at the end of the 1 year term unless your pet's current rabies vaccination expiration date falls prior to the end of the term. A license cannot be valid at any time a pet's rabies is expired. If you provide new proof of rabies expiration extending beyond the original term selected prior to the license expiration date, your pet's license may be extended to the full term originally selected.
Where can I license in person?
You may license in person at Long Beach Animal Care Services located at 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach CA 90815.
What is the refund policy on licenses?
Refunds may be granted if your pet has passed away, provided the request is submitted within 30 days of the license purchase date. After this period, we’re unfortunately unable to process a refund.
Where can I license in person?
You may license in person at Long Beach Animal Care Services located at 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach CA 90815.
How old does my pet need to be for me to license them?
All pets over the age of 4 months are required to be licensed.
When can I renew my pet's license?
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.
What is the refund policy on licenses in?
Refunds may be granted if your pet has passed away and the request is submitted within 30 days of the license purchase date. A partial refund may also be issued for the difference between an intact and spayed/neutered license if proof is provided within 30 days of purchase.
PROGRAM AND PARTNERSHIP
Why does the system say my address is not valid?
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 (e.g., type St instead of Street.) You may contact DocuPet Customer Care directly for assistance if you believe you reside within the licensing jurisdiction but your address is not being accepted by the system.
FEES AND FINES
My pet has been designated as a dangerous dog and needs to pay a special rate. What do I do?
Please visit Long Beach Animal Care Services in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. They are located at 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach CA 90815. Once the team there verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.
My pet has been designated as a dangerous dog and needs to pay a special rate. What do I do?
Please visit Long Beach Animal Care Services in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. They are located at 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach CA 90815.
Why am I being charged a late fee?
Late fees come into effect if a license is not renewed within 30 days of the original expiration date.
What is the senior citizen age requirement?
Those aged 60 and older may qualify for a senior citizen rate.
My pet has been spayed/neutered since I last purchased their pet license. How do I qualify for the discounted rate?
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 Long Beach Animal Care Services, you will be eligible to receive the new discounted rate. Otherwise, you can visit Long Beach Animal Care Services in person at 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach CA 90815 and show proof of spay/neuter there.
What is the processing fee?
A processing fee of $2.00 per license product applies to all online orders.
ACCOUNT UPDATES
My pet is no longer with me, but I’m still receiving renewal reminders?
We’re sorry! Unfortunately, unless you update your account to reflect that a pet is no longer in your care, we have no way of knowing. Have you already told us? You may have a duplicate account. Get in touch with your licensing organization or our DocuPet customer service team to update your record.
Does my license transfer if I am moving?
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.
How do I notify DocuPet that my pet has passed away?
We're sorry for your loss. You can update a pet's profile via your online account by editing your pet's profile and selecting 'Remove this Pet'.
TAGS
Will my pet receive a new free tag with every order?
No, each pet will only receive one free tag with their first license via DocuPet. This tag doesn’t expire. If you’ve already received a DocuPet tag, your furry friend is good to go! If you’d like a new tag, you can purchase a standard replacement tag or a new designer tag during the license order process or in our store.
How do I receive my tag if I don't have a current address?
Please visit in person at Long Beach Animal Care Services located at 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach CA 90815 and they will be able to assist you.
How do I receive my tag if I don't have a current address?
Please visit Long Beach Animal Care Services in person located at 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach CA 90815 and they will be able to assist you.
CITY INFORMATION AND CITY ORDINANCES
Where can I find information about the pet licensing ordinance/bylaw?
Visit this page for information on licensing ordinances/bylaws: Municipal Code
Who do I call if there’s an emergency involving dogs? (dog attack, loose dog, etc.)
Please get in touch with Long Beach Animal Care Services at 562-570-7387.
DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
Where can I obtain a copy of my pet’s rabies or spay/neuter document?
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.
What are acceptable documentation types?
A rabies proof is required to prove that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies. A rabies proof identifying your pet as spayed/neutered or a spay/neuter proof may be accepted as documentation of sterilization.
My pet is rabies exempt, what do I do?
You will need to complete the required paperwork and visit Long Beach Animal Care Services in person to qualify for rabies exemption. For more information please inquire with LBACS directly.
Why won't the system allow me to license without a new rabies document?
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.
My pet is rabies exempt, what do I do?
You will need to complete the required paperwork and visit Long Beach Animal Care Services in person to qualify for a rabies exemption.
How long does it take for my pet’s documents to be reviewed?
Documentation uploaded via the online system is reviewed within two to three business days.
What documentation is required to purchase a license?
A valid rabies proof is required to purchase a pet license. A 90 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.
Why do I have to upload a rabies and spay/neuter document for my pet?
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.