Dog Licenses

Dog Licenses

All dogs in Deschutes County are required to be licensed. County residents can purchase dog licenses from Deschutes County, local humane societies or participating veterinarians.

If you own or are keeping a dog in Deschutes County, you must purchase a license:

When the dog is six months of age or grows its permanent canine teeth, whichever comes first
Within 30 days of becoming owner or keeper
Within 30 days of moving to the county

Dog license fees are not required for dogs who are used as assistance animals. To license your assistance animal, please call or email our office. This process cannot be completed through the online payment system.

Purchasing a Deschutes County Dog license

NEW PETS - Purchase a new license for your new pet.
EXISTING PETS - Renew a license for your existing pet.
To make changes to an existing license (not renewals), address, Etc., please give us a call.
ASSISTANCE ANIMALS (Dogs) - Licensing cannot be performed online, please call or email us.

License Fees

$36 for an unaltered animal (annual fee)
$22 for spayed or neutered animal (annual fee)
$5 for a replacement tag
No Fee for Assistance Animals (Dogs)

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to obtain a license for my dog?

Every dog in Oregon is required to be licensed per ORS 609.100. When a dog reaches the age of six months or develops permanent canine teeth, whichever is longer, a license is required.

Category: Dog Licensing

What do I need to license my dog?

You will need to obtain a valid rabies certificate from your veterinarian or organization that gave the rabies vaccine to your dog. If you do not have a rabies certificate in your possession, please contact the veterinarian’s office where the vaccine was given. They will be able to provide a duplicate copy for you to submit with your application.

Category: Dog Licensing

Since the County offers up to a 3-year license, why am I not offered that option?

The length of the license depends on the expiration of the rabies vaccine for your pet. When obtaining a dog license online, you will only see license options that pertain to your current situation.

Examples:

The dog has a rabies certificate that expires in six months. A pro-rated dog license can be issued for six months. When the license expires, the dog will need to get a new rabies vaccination and then the owner has the option to renew the license for 1-3 years.
Owner wants to renew a dog license. Rabies expires one year from the date you are renewing online, then a 1-year license rate will apply.
If the rabies certificate expires 18 months from the date of the license, the owner can purchase a 1-year license. When the license expires, they will then license the dog until the rabies expires by purchasing a pro-rated 6-month license. The dog will then get a new rabies vaccine which is good for three years, allowing the purchase of up to a 3-year Deschutes County Dog License.
Owner wants to renew a dog license. Rabies expires two years from date or renewal. Owner can choose to license the dog for 1 or 2 years.
Owner wants to license a new dog. The rabies certificate has an expiration date of 28 months from date of issue. Owner can choose to license the dog for 1 or 2 years. If the owner chooses a 2-year license, then after the two years they can renew the license for four months pro-rated.
The dog just received a 3-year rabies vaccination, the owner can choose either a 1-, 2-, or 3-year license for their dog.

Category: Dog Licensing

Why did my license fee increase from last year?

As of July 1, 2023, the cost for a license in Deschutes County increased to cover cost of administering the dog licensing program. The license fee was last changed in 2013. The County now offers discounts for multi-year licenses as well as senior citizen discounts (62 & over) on spayed and neutered dogs.

Category: Dog Licensing

Does the County offer refunds on dog licenses?

Refunds are not provided on dog licenses in Deschutes County once the license has been issued regardless if you move out of the County or your dog passes away. Please take this into consideration when purchasing a multi-year license.

Category: Dog Licensing

What is a service animal?

Deschutes County does recognize service animals and offers a zero fee license for dogs that meet the ADA requirements. Service dogs are required to be licensed and have a valid rabies vaccination. A service animal, as defined by the ADA, is a dog of any breed or size that is trained to provide a specific task directly related to a person’s disability. They do not include emotional support or comfort dogs. For more information visit https://www.ada.gov/topics/service-animals for definitions of what is, and what is not a service animal.

Category: Dog Licensing

How do I update my address, report the death of a dog, or change of ownership of a dog.

You can update your information by calling 541-388-6637 M-F 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or email petlicensing@deschutes.org.

Category: Dog Licensing

I am moving to Deschutes County but I have a current license in another Oregon county, do I need to get another license?

If you are moving to Deschutes County from another County in Oregon you need to license your dog within 30 days of moving within the city limits of Bend or Redmond.

If you are moving into Deschutes County from another Oregon county, but not within city limits of Bend or Redmond, you can wait until your current dog license expires then get a new license from Deschutes County. The City of Sisters and the City of La Pine are considered County as they do not have their own city services providing animal control.

Please call if you are not sure if you are within city limits.

Category: Dog Licensing

I am moving to Deschutes County from another state, do I need to get an Oregon dog license?

If you are moving to Deschutes County from out of state, you are required to license your dog in Deschutes County within 30 days. Licenses from other states are not recognized in Oregon.

Category: Dog Licensing

What if I have multiple dogs, do you offer a discount?

Deschutes County does not offer discounts on multiple dogs for individual licensing. However, we do offer a kennel license option if you own four or more dogs and meet certain requirements. For more information on the kennel licensing option, please call (541) 388-6637.

Category: Dog Licensing

I lost my dog tag how do I get a new one?

Deschutes County offers replacement tags for a fee of $5.00. Please contact Dog Licensing at (541) 388-6637.

Category: Dog Licensing