Frequently Asked Questions and Guidelines About Dog & Cat Licenses

What paperwork is needed to purchase an animal license?

You will need a valid veterinarian certificate showing the rabies tag number and expiration date.

Will I be fined for not purchasing a license?

Yes. The fine for “Failure to Obtain a License” is $25 plus court costs. If you have purchased a license but the dog/cat is not wearing it, there is a $10 “Failure to Display” fine plus the court costs.

Do puppies and kittens need a license?

Dogs/cats that are four months old or older are required to have a license.

Does my service animal need a license?

Yes. The animal needs a license, but there is no charge for a dog that is trained to assist a visually or hearing impaired person (A “hearing dog” is a dog that is trained to alert its owner by touch to sounds of danger and those sounds which the owner should respond to.).

What is the deadline for purchasing a license?

The deadline to purchase a license is December 31 of each year.

How long is the license valid?

The license is valid for one calendar year (January through December). Animal licenses are purchased annually and expire December 31 of each year.

If my licensed dog/cat passes away do I need to notify the City of Chesapeake

Yes, if you do not notify the City of Chesapeake an automatic renewal will be sent to you.  You may notify the City of Chesapeake by calling (757) 382-6281, emailing at paytax@cityofchesapeake.net or visiting any of the four branches located in Chesapeake.

If you email please provide your first and last name, address, pet’s name, an old tag number, and the date your pet passed away.

How much does a license cost?

• Dog or cat, unneutered/unspayed - $10
• Dog or cat, neutered/spayed - $4
• Kennel license, 5-20 dogs/cats - $20
• Kennel license, 21+ dogs/cats - $35
• Dangerous Animal License - $50
• Duplicate license - $1

What is the definitions of a kennel/cattery?

A kennel/cattery is any place used for the breeding, boarding or keeping of five or more dogs (kennel) or five or more cats (cattery), according to City Zoning Ordinance 3-403.

What are the qualifications for a kennel?

Please contact the Department of Development & Permits, at (757) 382-6018 for zoning requirements and qualifications.

What is a Dangerous Animal License Certificate?

You need a Dangerous Animal License if your dog has bitten, attacked or inflicted injury upon a person (or companion animal) and the courts have declared it a dangerous animal. This license is $50 per year (in addition to any required dog or kennel license) until the dog is no longer alive.

What are the responsibilities of my veterinarian?

According to section 3.2-6529 of the Code of Virginia, veterinarians are to forward within 45 days a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate or the relevant information contained in such certificate to the treasurer of the locality where the vaccination occurs. The treasurer must forward the vaccination information of an animal residing in another locality to the local treasurer for that locality. After review of the veterinarian reports, if it is determined that the vaccinated dog has not been licensed, the treasurer shall send an application to the owner and request the owner to submit a completed application and pay the appropriate fee.

Where can I purchase an animal license?

You can purchase a dog/cat license at any Treasurer’s Office location or Substation location as shown below.

Treasurer’s Office Locations

Deep Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-382-3660
824 Old George Washington Hwy
Great Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-382-6281
306 Cedar Road
South Norfolk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 757-543-3555
1205 20th Street
Western Branch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 757-488-5182
2808 Taylor Road

Substations