Get or Renew a Dog License
All dogs living in Moreno Valley that are four months of age and older must be licensed. Dog licensing is an important element of rabies control in your community and helps reunite lost pets with their owners.
City Ordinance Section 10.02.020 states it is unlawful to own, harbor, or maintain any dog over four months of age within the City for longer than 30 days unless the dog has a currently valid rabies vaccination and license tag.
Now Powered by DocuPet
Moreno Valley Animal Services has partnered with DocuPet for an enhanced licensing experience. Every license now includes DocuPet’s free HomeSafe™ 24/7 lost pet service and designer tag options. 20% of every designer tag purchase is donated to Moreno Valley Animal Services through DocuPet’s Safe&Happy Fund.
To apply, you’ll need a current Rabies Vaccination Certificate from a licensed veterinarian. If your dog is spayed or neutered, provide a Sterility Certificate to receive discounted pricing.
License Fees
| Term | Spayed / Neutered | Unaltered |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | $15 | $54 |
| 2 year | $28 | $87 |
| 3 year | $35 | $108 |
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Late fee | $21 + license fee |
| Transfer fee | $6 |
| Lost tag fee | $6 |
Economic Hardship Discount
A $6 one-time-only Economic Hardship dog license is available to residents who provide proof of earning 65% of the median income set by HUD for Riverside County, and proof (Sterility Certificate) that their pet is spayed or neutered.
Why License Your Dog
Through our DocuPet partnership, every license tag includes the free HomeSafe™ 24/7 lost pet service, which has reunited thousands of lost pets through linked tags and online pet profiles. Beyond being City law, licensing protects your dog in several ways:
Lost Animals
Moreno Valley Animal Services cared for more than 5,700 animals last year — most lost or abandoned, and fewer than 13% reunited with owners. A licensed dog with a tag is sheltered at least 10 days for the owner to claim; an unlicensed dog may be held only 5 days.
Injured Animals
Your dog’s license lets us contact you if your dog is injured, and allows us to take your animal to your veterinarian if you can’t be reached.
Bite & Rabies Prevention
Nearly 259 dog bites were reported last year in Moreno Valley. Your license is proof your pet has been vaccinated against rabies.
Cost Savings
Every dog over four months old requires a license. An unlicensed dog can result in citations and fines — far more than the cost of a license.