License Required For Dogs And Cats LBMC 6.08.010
A. Dog License
No person responsible for any dog shall have such dog, male or female, over the age of four (4) months, within the city without at all times having upon such dog a collar or harness to which shall be securely fastened a tag as provided in this chapter. Said tag may be issued at any time during the calendar year and may be issued for twelve (12) months. The tag shall be obtained from the director, inscribed with the letters and words "LONG BEACH" and the tag's serial number. The tax shall be sufficient only during the period the tag is issued.
Dog Licenses are required in the cities below per their municipal codes listed.
- Cerritos CMC 8.04.035(a)
- Signal Hill SHMC 6.04.030
- Los Alamitos LAMC 6.08.010
Long Beach Animal Care Services has teamed up with DocuPet to launch a innovative pet licensing program, designed to keep pets safe and families connected.
Licensing not only ensures compliance with local bylaws—it also protects your pet. Every license comes with:
- A free tag linked to a secure online pet profile with photos, contact information, and care instructions.
- HomeSafe®, a 24/7 lost pet service with live support and real-time lost pet community alerts.
- A central location for finders to submit a Found Pet Report using the unique ID code on your pet’s tag.
With these features, lost pets can be identified quickly and reunited with their families faster.
You can learn more and register online anytime at longbeach.docupet.com.
B. Cat License
No person responsible for any cat shall have such cat, male or female, over the age of four (4) months, within the city without at all times having upon such cat either a tag as provided in Subsection B.1. below, or a microchip as provided in Subsection B.2. below.
1. Tag
The tag shall be securely fastened to a collar or harness, as provided in this chapter. Said tag may be issued at any time during the calendar year and may be issued for a period of twelve (12) months. The tag shall be obtained from the director, inscribed with the letters and words "LONG BEACH" and the tag's serial number. The tag shall be sufficient only during the period the tag is issued.
2. Microchip
In place of the tag and collar described in Subsection B.1. above, a person responsible for a cat may instead ensure that the cat bears an identifiable microchip. For the purposes of this chapter, the term "microchip" shall mean the injection of an identification chip below the skin of an animal performed by a veterinarian, registered veterinary technician or other qualified staff. The person responsible for such cat shall obtain an annual license at such times and in the manner as specified in Section 6.08.030
Pet cats are required to be licensed for Long Beach residents only. You can learn more and register online anytime at longbeach.docupet.com.
Benefits of Pet Licensing
Pet License Fees
Starting October 1, 2023, all residents of the City of Long Beach and its contract cities of Cerritos, Los Alamitos, and Signal Hill will be subject to the following dog license fees. Cat licenses are only applicable to Long Beach residents. Senior rates are available for residents aged 60 or above.
| License Fee Name | 12-Month Fee |
| Dog - Unaltered | $250.00 |
| Dog Unaltered - Senior Resident | $125.00 |
| Dog - Altered | $28.00 |
| Dog Altered - Senior Resident | $14.00 |
| Dog - Vicious Animal | $1,125.00 |
| Cat Altered (Long Beach residents only) | $12.00 |
| Cat Altered - Senior Resident (Long Beach residents only) | $6.00 |
| Replacement License Tag | $10.00 |
| Animal License Late Fee | $15.00 |
Late Penalty and Violation Citation
Canine Rabies Innoculation Exemption Forms
Microchipping Information
Cat Licensing Frequently Asked Questions
