Dog Licenses
Why License My Dog?
- License fees support Animal Services programs including: care and housing for approximately 3,000 stray and abandoned animals a year, investigations of animal neglect and cruelty, emergency rescue and response services for animals, adopting homeless pets to new families, and community education and outreach.
- Failure to purchase a dog license is a Class IV Misdemeanor which can carry up to a $250 fine. Veterinarians are also required by Virginia State code section 3.2-6529 to provide the Treasurer's Office in each locality with a copy of all canine rabies vaccination certificates.
- A license tells everyone that your pet is not a homeless stray, and can identify you as the owner should your pet be found running loose.
- Animal Control Officers will attempt to deliver your licensed dog home to you immediately, skipping a trip to the animal shelter.
- Dog licenses are required for entrance to many dog parks.
License Requirements
- The Commonwealth of Virginia mandates Loudoun County to require all dogs four months of age and older to be licensed.
- In Loudoun County, dog licenses are issued concurrently with the rabies vaccination effective period for each individual dog.
- The county issues permanent tags to remain with the dog for its lifetime (replacement tags are available if needed).
- All dogs must have a license tag securely attached to a collar and worn whenever the dog is off of the owner’s property.
- Citizens have the option to purchase dog licenses for one, two or three year periods provided that the rabies certificate is valid for the period of time being covered.
- The cost is $10 per dog, per year, regardless of spay / neuter status.
Rabies Vaccination Exemptions
According to the Code of Virginia §3.2-6521, the Board of Health may grant an exemption to the rabies vaccination requirements if an animal suffers from an underlying medical condition that is likely to result in a life-threatening condition in response to vaccination and such exemption would not risk public health and safety.
Certification that a dog or cat is exempt from rabies vaccination may be presented in lieu of a rabies vaccination certificate for the purposes of licensing by the locality where the animal resides.
This certification of exemption from rabies vaccination shall be valid for one year, after which time the animal shall be vaccinated against rabies or the application for exemption shall be renewed.
Exemption Request
Each exemption request is reviewed on an individual basis, and the submitting veterinarian may be asked to provide additional information as needed.
- Rabies Vaccination Exemption: Information for Veterinarians (PDF)
- Application for Rabies Vaccination Exemption (PDF)
- Renewal Application for Rabies Vaccination Exemption (PDF)
Submit Information
After completion, the application, the rabies exemption form and all associated medical information must be submitted to the Loudoun County Health Department via email or mail to:
Attn: Dr. David Goodfriend
Loudoun County Health Department
PO Box 7000, Leesburg, VA 20177
Additional Resources
Veterinarians
All veterinarians practicing in Loudoun County are required to submit monthly rabies reports for their clients to Loudoun County Animal Services within 45 days.
Are you a veterinarian office in Loudoun County? Email your rabies reports to us.