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1. Why must I license my dog?

Dog licenses are required by law.  Both California State Law and Eureka Municipal Code require that your dog has an active rabies vaccination and be licensed.  If you do not license your dog, you may be issued a citation, and you will incur extra fees and fines.  Dog licensing provides a central registry of rabies vaccinations, which is a critical resource in the event of dog bite incidents or in the case of a rabies outbreak.

2. My dog always stays in the house or yard. Does it have to be licensed?

Yes.  All dogs, regardless if they never leave the yard, must be licensed.  Dogs have a way of getting out through gates accidentally left open or by digging under fences.  Loud noises, such as fireworks, and natural disasters like an earthquake or fire may cause your pet to flee the safety of your property.  Having a dog license on its collar will help reunite your lost pet with you.

3. Why is it so much more for an un-spayed or un-neutered dog?

The licensing fees are based on your dog's ability to breed.  By not spaying or neutering your pet, you incur a larger portion of responsibility for pet overpopulation, and the need to maintain an animal shelter.  A dog's instinct to breed often overcomes the pet owner's ability to prevent it.

4. Why should I spay or neuter my pet?

Animal overpopulation is a huge problem in our community. Even well-intentioned breeders cannot predict what will happen to an animal after it has gone to a new home, and many of these dogs end up in the animal shelter. Many dogs are very difficult to place, either due to breed, size, temperament, health, or age. It is your responsibility to help prevent this problem.

Spaying/neutering also causes your dog to experience less stress, decreases the risk of many diseases and cancers, and may prolong your dog's life. It also creates a more obedient, even-tempered, less aggressive, and happier pet, which is less likely to run away.

If you need assistance accessing spay or neuter services for your pet, there are several local programs that may be able to defray most of the cost. For more information, please contact our office, your veterinarian, or visit the Humboldt Spay / Neuter Network website or call them at 707-442-7729.

5. How are my license fees used?

Licensing fees are used to help defray the monthly share of cost paid by the City of Eureka to the Humboldt County Animal Shelter.