Pet Registration and Licensing

Every person who owns, keeps, or harbors any dog, puppy, cat, or kitten in or around their home, place of business, or other premises within the City is responsible for having that animal vaccinated against rabies and registered with the City. No dog or cat shall be permitted to remain within city limits without the required vaccination and registration. Failure to maintain the required vaccination and registration can result in a ticket and a fine.

When to Vaccinate and Register

• Puppies and kittens must receive their first rabies vaccination and be registered between the ages of 3 and 4 months.
• New arrivals to the City have a grace period of 30 days in which to obtain their registration.
• Visitors to the City must be able to show evidence of their pets’ immunization covering the period of their visit, but need not obtain a City registration certificate unless the pet will be kept in the city for longer than 30 days.

Required Vaccinations

Rabies Vaccination is Required

Due to the serious public health risk presented by the disease, rabies inoculation is the only vaccination required by City ordinance.

Most veterinarians offer 1-year or 3-year rabies vaccines.
Vaccinations and registrations must therefore be updated every 1 or 3 years, depending on the vaccine used by your vet.

Additional Vaccinations

Other immunizations are available, and may be important in maintaining the health of your pet.

The City’s Animal Care and Control division recommends you consult your veterinarian regarding the various ways to prevent disease in our companion animals.

1. Determine if your pet needs a rabies vaccination. If yes, schedule a visit with a vet.
2. If your pet is already vaccinated, obtain printed proof of vaccination to take with you to the registration office.

Registering Animals Vaccinated by a Veterinarian in the City of St. Louis

• Obtain the City registration certificate from your vet when you get your pet vaccinated. The veterinarian should provide it. If not, request it.

• Keep this certificate in your possession. You must present it to any City Animal Care and Control Officer or Police Officer on request.

• Attach the registration tag provided to you by your veterinary to the pet’s collar or harness and keep it on the pet at all times. Veterinarians should provide it, if not request it.

• Certificates and tags only apply to the pet for which they were issued and are not transferable to other pets.

Registering Animals Vaccinated by a Veterinarian Outside of the City of St. Louis

If your pet was vaccinated by a veterinarian who did not have City of St. Louis tags available, you or someone on your behalf will need to register your pet with the City of St. Louis. Come in person to the Animal Care and Control administrative offices. You will need to bring proof of your pet's rabies vaccination.

1520 Market St., Suite 4051 (Downtown St. Louis)
St. Louis, MO 63103
Monday-Friday from 8am - 4:30pm.
If you have questions, call Animal Care and Control at (314) 657-1500

• Intact Male or Intact Female $50.00
• Neutered Male or Spayed Female $4.00

Method of payment

Cashier's check or money order. Please make it out to "City of St. Louis Animal Care and Control".

When you get your pet vaccinated for rabies, the veterinarian's office will give you a registration certificate and tag.

If you come to the Animal Care and Control office to register a pet, you will pay the fee and receive a registration certificate and tag during your visit.

Who Can Vaccinate

Only a licensed veterinarian can administer a rabies vaccinations. A vaccination administered by a licensed veterinarian will be considered valid.

Lost Tags or Certificate

If you lost your certificate, or your pet loses their tag, bring proof of your pet’s current rabies immunization to our 1520 Market Street location, downtown St. Louis, and a new one will be issued at a cost of $1.00.