Licensing Information

If you live within the county of Ventura, and inside our area of service , you must purchase an animal license AND have your animal vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. This vaccination must be updated every one to three years (depending on the type of vaccine). Your county shelters do not vaccinate animals, but we do provide low-cost 'clinics' throughout the county (see below). A team of Licensing Inspectors canvasses throughout the County to ensure compliance with State and Local licensing and rabies vaccination requirements. For further licensing information call (805) 388-4341 or 1-888-223-PETS, option 6.

Download a PDF license application to complete and mail or bring into the Camarillo Shelter.

Licensing / Vaccination Requirements

4411: License tag requirements.

Every person who owns, harbors, or keeps any dog over the age of four (4) months for thirty (30) days or longer shall obtain a current license and license tag issued under the provisions of this Code and stamped with the year in which such license was issued. The license tag obtained shall be attached to a substantial collar or harness that shall be worn by the dog at all times except as provided in Section 4411-1. Every person who violates any of the provisions of this section is guilty of an infraction. Any dog found without a current license tag or for which there is no current license may be taken up and impounded by the Poundmaster or any peace officer. (Am. Ord. 2717--9/11/73) (Am. Ord. 3187--4/20/76) (Am. Ord. 3244--12/21/76) (Am. Ord. 3390--8/15/78)

4451: Rabies vaccination required.

Every person owning, harboring, or keeping a dog, shall within thirty (30) days after such dog obtains the age of four (4) months, cause it to be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian with a vaccine of a type approved by the State Department of Health and listed in Section 2606.4 of Title 17 of the California Administrative Code as being suitable for use in declared rabies areas. Every person who violates the provisions of this Section is guilty of a misdemeanor/infraction. (Am. Ord. 3187--4/20/76)

Cat Licensing

The County of Ventura is moving towards a mandatory cat licensing program. Although this program is not yet a requirement in most areas, it really does make sense for the following reasons:

  • It is a proven fact that licensed animals are far more likely to be reclaimed to their owners than unlicensed animals. Only 4% of all impounded cats are reclaimed. This number would be greatly increased if cats wore license tags.
  • Cats are more likely to be exposed to rabies than other domestic animals because of their higher instance of interaction with wildlife. (see Rabies.. facts and fiction for more information) Because a license requires a rabies vaccination, your participation decreases the likelihood of a rabies outbreak. You may have already vaccinated your cat, and the annual license will document your vaccine and prompt you when it is outdated.
  • Shelter reclaim fees are lower for licensed animals than those for unlicensed.
  • Mandatory cat licensing will mean fewer cats destroyed each year. Since more cats will be returned to owners because of identification, fewer cats will remain unclaimed.
  • Licenses are proof of valid rabies vaccination. Since rabies is more likely to be transmitted to an outdoor cat than a dog, it is an important factor to consider. For more information on rabies, check out Rabies.. facts and fiction
  • Only 4 out of 100 of cats (compared to over 30 % of dogs) are reclaimed by their owners each year. If your cat is wearing a current license tag it is almost certain that we can reunite you with your pet.

    Cat licenses are mandatory for all cats in the cities of Moorpark and Oxnard. Cat licenses are voluntary, and encouraged, in all other cities.

    SPAYING AND NEUTERING SAVES MONEY!

    Altering (surgical sterilization) of your animal will save you $40.00 per year in license fees. For more information on the advantages of surgical sterilization, check out Spay and neutering.. Facts and fiction

    Low Cost Spay Neuter Clinic

    License Fees:

  • Male or female dogs and cats $60.00 per year
  • Spayed or neutered dogs and cats: $20.00 per year
  • Penalty license applies 30 days after license due date plus 100%
  • Kennel License: $ per year
  • Wild Animal Permit: $ per year
  • Download a copy of the locations that sell Dog and Cat Licenses in your city, in PFD format.
  • Download a PDF license application to complete and mail or bring into the Camarillo Shelter.

    • Upcoming 2008 Monthly Rabies Vaccination Clinics:

    Located at a new site every month, these clinics are open to all animal owners. Rabies vaccinations cost just $5.00 (cash only). We advise you to arrive at 7 PM sharp or at the opening time of the clinic. Dog and cat licenses are sold too.
  • March 04, 2008 in Simi Valley
    		• at the County Fire Station, 1910 Church St. (7 PM)
  • April 12, 2008 in Oxnard
    		• Wilson Center, 350 North C Street (1-3 PM)
  • May 06, 2008 in Santa Paula
    		• at the Fire Station, 536 West Main St.(7 PM)
  • June 03, 2008 in Ventura
    		• at Seaside Park, Santa Rosa Hall (7 PM)
  • Jul 15, 2008 in Simi Valley
    		• at the County Fire Station, 1910 Church St. (7 PM)
  • Jul 29, 2008 in Camarillo
    		• at the Department of Animal Regulation, 600 Aviation Dr., at the Camarillo Airport (7 PM)
  • Aug 13, 2008 in Port Hueneme
    		• at the County Fire Station, 304 2nd Street (7 PM)
  • Sept 02, 2008 in Moorpark
    		• at the County Fire Station, 295 High St. (7 PM)
  • Sept 23, 2008 in Fillmore
    		• at the County Fire Station, 711 Sespe Pl (7 PM)
  • Oct 07, 2008 in Meiners Oaks
    		• at the County Fire Station, 466 La Luna (7 PM)
  • Oct 25, 2008 in Oxnard
    		• Wilson Center, 350 North C Street (1-3 PM)