Dog Licensing
A license is your pet’s “Ticket Home.”
Should your animal become lost, a license tag on your dog’s collar is a fast and easy way to reunite you and your dog. Microchips require a scanning device to read them. A license tag is easily visible for everyone.
It ensures your pet is vaccinated against rabies.
When you license, you are required to have your dog vaccinated for rabies. This allows others to know that your animal is protected. By vaccinating your animal, you are helping to provide a safer community.
It helps other pets.
Licensing is a primary source of income for animal control. These fees help us to adopt strays and owner-surrendered animals to new homes. Due to licensing fees, 94% of the dogs that come to our shelter are either reunited with their owner or adopted.
It’s the law.
Dog licensing has been required by law since 1896. Missoula City-County residents voted and passed the ordinance requiring dogs to be licensed. You can be issued a citation for not having your dog licensed.
How are licensing fees spent?
- Shelter and feed lost cats and dogs
- Reunite lost pets with their owners
- Run our low income spay and neuter program
- Help neighbors resolve animal conflicts
- Help investigate animal cruelty
- Educate the public on responsible pet ownership
License Fees
| License Type/Description | 1-Year | 2-Year | 3-Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (For all dogs under 1 year of age) | $15 | – | – |
| Altered (Spayed or Neutered) | $20 | $35 | $50 |
| Unaltered (Not Spayed or Neutered) | $35 | $65 | $95 |
| Senior – Altered (Dog owner is 65 years and older) | $10 | $17.50 | $25 |
| Senior – Unaltered (Dog owner is 65 years and older) | $17.50 | $32.50 | $47.50 |
| Chicken Permit (City) | – | – | $30 |
| County Kennel License (6 or more dogs) – Must call our office to apply. | $100 – $150 |
| City Multiple Dog Permit (3 or more dogs) | $75 application fee, then $50 annually |
| County Boarding Kennel License | $50 |