Why License?

In accordance with state and local laws, pet licenses are mandatory in the cities that Chula Vista Animal 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 Chula Vista 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 the Chula Vista 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

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 Chula Vista 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.

Chula Vista Animal Services
130 Beyer Way, Chula Vista, CA 91911

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

Select your community

Chula Vista Animal Services is contracted to issue licenses in the following communities

Chula Vista

Imperial Beach

City of Chula Vista Details & Fees

Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in the City of Chula Vista. Licenses are available for 1, 2, or 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.

Dog Licenses 1 Year Fee 2 Year Fee 3 Year Fee
Altered Dog $20.00 $25.00 $30.00
Unaltered Dog $40.00 $50.00 $60.00
Service Dog Fee
Service Dog License $0.00
Altered Dog
1 Year Fee $20.00
2 Year Fee $25.00
3 Year Fee $30.00
Unaltered Dog
1 Year Fee $40.00
2 Year Fee $50.00
3 Year Fee $60.00
Service Dog
Service Dog License Fee $0.00

A replacement City of Chula Vista tag is available for $10 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, 2, 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.

When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.

Failure to license your pet may result in a fine.

A late fee of $20 will apply 30 days following license expiration.

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

Imperial Beach Details & Fees

Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in the City of Imperial Beach. Licenses are available for 1, 2, or 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.

Dog Licenses 1 Year Fee 2 Year Fee 3 Year Fee
Altered Dog $18.00 $33.00 $45.00
Unaltered Dog $36.00 $66.00 $90.00
Service Dog Fee
Service Dog License $0.00
Altered Dog
1 Year Fee $18.00
2 Year Fee $33.00
3 Year Fee $45.00
Unaltered Dog
1 Year Fee $36.00
2 Year Fee $66.00
3 Year Fee $90.00
Service Dog
Service Dog License Fee $0.00

A replacement City of Imperial Beach tag is available for a $10 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, 2, 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.

When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.

A late fee of $20 will apply 30 days following license expiration.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jump to Category

PROGRAM AND PARTNERSHIP

DocuPet has a Help Center that houses many helpful articles about the DocuPet system, communications, and other information that is not specific to your licensing jurisdiction. Visit here.

LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS

Chula Vista Animal Services provides licensing services for the following areas: City of Chula Vista and City of Imperial Beach

Licenses are required to be renewed prior to the expiration date each year.

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

Licenses expire at the end of the license term selected 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 if a pet's rabies is expired. 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.

Temporary licenses expire after 60 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. If the rabies expiration date extends beyond the original term selected, your pet's license may be extended to the full term originally selected. 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.

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 Chula Vista Animal Services directly if you believe you reside within their jurisdiction but your address is not being accepted by the system.

FEES AND FINES

Please visit Chula Vista Animal Services in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. Once the team there verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.

Visit this page for licensing options and fees.

Please visit Chula Vista Animal Services in person if you are qualifying for this rate. They are located at 130 Beyer Way in Chula Vista.

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

For all online orders a processing fee is applied on license purchases at a rate of 2.65% on eligible license/late fee products plus $0.25 per transaction.

Late fees come into effect if a license is not renewed within 30 days of the original expiration date.

TAGS

Please visit in person at Chula Vista Animal Services located at 130 Beyer Way in Chula Vista and they will be able to assist you.

CITY INFORMATION AND CITY ORDINANCES

Please get in touch with Chula Vista Animal Services at (619) 476-2476. 

Visit this page for information on licensing ordinances/bylaws: https://chulavista.municipal.codes/CVMC/6.20.010

The following species are required to be licensed: Dogs

DOCUMENT SUBMISSION

To license your pet, you will be required to show proof that the pet's rabies vaccination is current. 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 Chula Vista Animal Services in person to qualify for rabies exemption.

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

A valid rabies proof is required to purchase a pet license. A 60 day temporary license may be issued if you do not have rabies proof at the time of licensing.

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.

To license your pet, you will be required to show proof that the pet's rabies vaccination is current. Requiring documentation ensures that provided pet information is accurate, which is critical for identification and safety reasons.