Licensing

The dog license program exists for several important reasons. A license:

• Tells everyone that your dog is not a homeless stray.
• Guarantees a warm shelter, a full stomach and tender loving care until we can reach you by phone or letter if your “best friend” is lost and placed in our shelter.
• Promises, if needed, we’ll get your canine companion emergency medical treatment.
• Enables Animal Control to protect neighborhoods just like yours.
• Helps keep the human and dog population from being infected by the rabies virus.
• Enhances the quick return of lost dogs to their owners or keepers.
• It's the law. (ORS 609.100)

For your convenience, Clatsop County has switched to a year-round licensing program. You can buy either a license that is good for one year from the date of issue or a license that is good for three years.

Renewing your dog’s license is easy. We issue long-lasting aluminum tags as your dog’s permanent tag. Just send in your payment to renew the license in our records. No need to remove and put a new tag on your dog’s collar each year.

One-year licenses expire one year from the month of purchase. Three-year licenses expire three years from the month of purchase. You have until the last day of that month for renewal without a late penalty.

All dogs must be licensed at:

• 6 months of age, or
• When they have permanent canine teeth, or
• Within 30 days of acquisition, or
• Within 60 days after new residents move into Clatsop County.

A license is required even when the dog is always indoors or on a farm.

What documents will I need?

• A current rabies inoculation certificate.
• For altered dogs, the spay or neuter certificate or a written statement from your veterinarian.

• Spayed/Neutered: 
  • $15 one year
  • $40 three years
• Not Spayed/Neutered: 
  • $30 one year
  • $90 three years
• Senior citizen discount: 
  65 or older (Dog must be neutered)
  • $10 one year
  • $25 three years
• Fees:
  • Late with no enforcement action: $15
  • Late with enforcement action: $30
• Replacement license:
  • Replacement metal tag: $10

No discounts for multiple or fertile dogs

Licenses can be purchased or renewed in person or through the mail using this license application form in English or Spanish.

Licenses are also available in person at these vendors:

• Bayshore Animal Hospital, Warrenton
• Cannon Beach City Hall, Cannon Beach
• Clatsop County Animal Control and Shelter
• Clatsop County Clerk's Office
• Two Old Goats Farm and Feed

Residents of Seaside and Gearhart are required to license their dogs through their local Police Departments.

If you have questions about licensing, please call (503) 861-7387