Dog owners must license their pets within 60 days of moving to the city or adopting a dog. Licenses for cats are available but not required.
A dog license is required for several reasons, including verification of rabies vaccination. Rabies is fatal to pets, dangerous to humans, and present in the wild animal population of Southern California.
The Lakewood dog license period runs from July 1 to June 30 and must be renewed annually.
A late fee is charged for dogs not licensed within 60 days of moving to the city or after July 31 for renewals.
Pet licensing is managed through a third-party system that may not be fully accessible. If you need assistance or would like an alternative way to complete your request, contact ADACoordinator@lakewoodca.gov or call 562-866-9771.
The easiest way to purchase or renew a license is online through SEAACA’s licensing system (DocuPet).
Licenses help find lost pets
If your pet is lost, the chances of recovery are much higher if your pet wears a license tag along with an ID tag.
The DocuPet licensing system includes a collar tag that helps ensure you can be contacted quickly.
Tags should include the owner’s name, current address and phone number.
The best protection is a combination of a collar ID tag and a microchip. Animal shelters routinely scan for microchips, which link directly to owner information.
Microchips are small devices safely implanted under the animal’s skin. The process is quick and affordable.
Be sure to update your pet’s license and microchip information if your contact information changes. Pets wearing identification are typically held longer at animal care centers, increasing the chance they can be reunited with their owners.