Tips for Licensing Your Dog in Baltimore
Did you know that dog licenses are required by law in Maryland? It’s not just a Carroll County requirement, as some people may think. Maryland law and Carroll County Code Chapter 90 states that all dogs over the age of 4 months must have a valid rabies inoculation and a current county dog license. Your pet must be licensed within 10 days of obtaining the pet, or within 10 days of the pet being in the city.
**If you have three or more dogs and cats, you are no longer required to obtain a permit.
How To Apply for a Pet License
Step 1: Have your pet(s) vaccinated for rabies, and keep the rabies vaccination certificate. Bring proof that your pet has been spayed or neutered, if applicable.**Lifetime license requires proof of pet’s spay/neuter, microchip and current rabies vaccination.
Step 2: Apply online, in person, or by mail
If you chose to apply in person there are several veterinary hospitals in Carroll, some town hall offices, the Humane Society of Carroll County as well as some pet supply stores.
Costs:
Baltimore City offers a reduced licensing fee to pet owners that have joined the initiative in fighting the city’s pet overpopulation issue by spaying or neutering their personal pets. Annual licenses expire one year from date of purchased. Payment for your license is due upon the expiration of your current license. All licenses are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Standard License Fees – 1 year
- Unaltered Cat or Dog: $30.00
- Spayed/Neutered Cat or Dog: $10.00
Senior Citizens Age 65 or over – 1 year
- Unaltered Cat or Dog: $15.00
- Spayed/Neutered Cat or Dog: $5.00
Lifetime License:
- Altered and Microchipped Pet: $100.00
Other Fees:
- Replacement tag: $1.00
The Penalties for Having an Unlicensed Dog
- First offense: warning
- Second offense: $50 fine
- Third offense: $100 fine per dog, and $100 thereafter
Benefits of Licensing:
Licensing helps Animal Services identify and reunite lost animals with their owners. It’s also extremely important as a means of confirming that pets have been inoculated against Rabies. The fees from licensing provides revenue to support shelters. Be a good citizen and license your dog!