Kings County pet licensing
Why license?
In accordance with state and local laws, pet licenses are mandatory in Kings County. 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 Kings County 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.
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!
In-person
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.
Kings County Animal Services
10909 Bonneyview Lane, Hanford, CA 93230
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)
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 PST (excluding holidays)Sunday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM PST
License fees & details
Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in Kings County. 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 | 2 Year | 3 Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altered Dog | $10.00 | $15.00 | $20.00 |
- Kings County requires that all dogs be spayed/neutered.
- A replacement tag is available for a $5.00 fee.
- 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 dates.
- 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 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.
- A fine up to $500 may be charged for failing to comply.
- Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.
Frequently asked questions
LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS
When does my pet's license expire?
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 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.
Does my pet need to wear the license tag?
Your pet must always wear their license tag. You may be fined for failing to affix your pet's tag.
What is the refund policy on licenses?
No refunds are provided on licenses purchased regardless of circumstances.
My pet qualifies for the service animal rate. What do I do?
Please visit Kings County Animal Services in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. They are located at 10909 Bonneyview Lane in Hanford. Once the team there verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.
Why is license expiration based on rabies expiration?
As per California law, a pet license may not be valid at anytime a pet's rabies vaccination is expired.
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.
Where can I license in person?
You can license in person at 10909 Bonneyview Lane, Hanford, CA 93230.
I need a kennel license, what do I do?
Please visit Kings County Animal Services in person as kennel licensing is not processed through DocuPet. They are located at 10909 Bonneyview Lane in Hanford.
When does my pet's temporary license expire?
Temporary licenses expire after 60 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.
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 so there is no drawback to renewing early.
What jurisdictions does Kings County Animal Services provide licensing services for?
Kings County Animal Services provides licensing services for the following areas: Unincorporated Kings County.
If you live within the City limits of Avenal, Corcoran, Hanford, and Leemore, you must license with the City directly.
Do licenses need to be renewed annually?
Licenses are required to be renewed prior to the expiration date each year.
My pet has been designated as a dangerous dog and needs to pay a special rate. What do I do?
Please visit Kings County Animal Services in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. They are located at 10909 Bonneyview Lane in Hanford. Once the team there verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.
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 type ex. St instead of Street. You may contact Kings County Animal Services directly if you believe you reside within their jurisdiction but your address is not being accepted by the system.
What if I have a question about the DocuPet system?
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 the Help Center Here.
FEES AND FINES
Is there a discount for licensing multiple pets?
No, there is no discount for licensing multiple pets. Each pet will be charged the appropriate licensing fee.
What is the fee for licensing?
Visit this page for licensing options and fees.
What is the processing fee?
A processing fee of $2.00 per license product applies to all online orders.
DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
I just adopted my pet, but the information on the rabies vaccination certificate does not match my information. What should I do?
If the rabies vaccination certificate does not match your information because the pet was adopted, we recommend contacting Kings County Animal Services directly so their team can review and approve the documentation. We suggest reaching out to confirm that you have all required documentation, which may include adoption paperwork, in order to license your pet.
What are acceptable documentation types?
A rabies certificate is required as proof that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies. A rabies certificate identifying your pet is spayed/neutered or a spay/neuter certificate may be accepted as proof of sterilization.
Can I still license my pet if I don’t have the required documentation?
Yes! A temporary license can be issued while you gather your documents. Just follow one of the licensing methods listed above to get started. Please note that proof must be submitted before the temporary license expires, otherwise a new license will need to be purchased.
What documentation is required to purchase a license?
A valid rabies certificate is required to purchase a pet license. A 60 day temporary license may be issued if you do not have a rabies certificate at the time of licensing. Proof of spay/neuter is required to receive the discounted altered rates.