Loudoun County residents can now pay for their dog licenses online. Citizens have the option to purchase dog licenses for one, two or three-year periods provided that the dog’s rabies certificate is valid for the period of time being covered. The cost is $10 per dog.
Officials with the Loudoun County Department of Animal Services hope the new online system will lead to an increase in the number of licensed dogs within the county as well as provide an easier and more user-friendly experience for the citizens of Loudoun.
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 dog. Failure to purchase a dog license is a Class IV Misdemeanor which can carry up to a $250 fine. There are many other reasons to purchase a dog license.
- A license identifies a dog as owned and not a homeless stray. Animal Control Officers who find a dog running loose in the community wearing a collar and license will attempt to deliver the pet home immediately, skipping a trip to the animal shelter.
- For a dog and its owner to enjoy the many benefits of visiting a local dog park, a dog license is required.
- 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: adoption of homeless pets to new families: and community education and outreach.
- Dog licensing programs ensure rabies remains controlled among dogs. The only way to prevent your dog from contracting the rabies virus is to maintain current rabies vaccinations. Maintaining current rabies vaccinations and dog licenses could save your dog’s life.
To learn more about the dog licensing process and to purchase a dog license online, Loudoun residents may visit
www.loudoun.gov/doglicense .
The Loudoun County Department of Animal Services is located at 39820 Charles Town Pike, Waterford, VA 20197. For more information, call 703-777-0406 or visit www.loudoun.gov/animals.
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Media Contact: Glen Barbour, Public Affairs and Communications Officer, 703-771-5086, Glen.Barbour@loudoun.gov