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Dog & Cat Licenses

Guidelines:

Please be advised that Chesapeake Animal Licenses must be purchased at a Treasurer's office location or authorized substation dealer. If you are unable to come into a physical location, you may purchase the license by printing out the downloadable animal license form. Please remember to bring the current rabies vaccination certificate to present when purchasing an animal license in person or mail a copy of the rabies certificate with your payment and completed animal license form to PO BOX 16495 Chesapeake, VA 23328. Once the form and payment are processed, your new animal license and copy of the rabies certificate will be mailed back to you. Please see the below FAQ for detailed information.

What paperwork is needed to purchase an animal license?

A valid veterinarian certificate showing the rabies tag number and expiration date is required. When applicable, please also include documentation showing that the animal is spayed or neutered.

Will I be fined for not purchasing a license?

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

Do puppies and kittens need a license?

Dogs or cats that are four (4) 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?

December 31^st 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^st of each year.

How much does a license cost?

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

Frequently Asked Questions:

If my licensed dog or 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 the address on file. You may notify the City of Chesapeake by calling 757-382-6281, emailing at paytax@cityofchesapeake.net or visiting any of our four branches located in Chesapeake.

If you email our office, please provide your first and last name, address, your pet’s name, a previous tag number, and the date your pet passed away.

If my licensed dog or cat moves, 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 the last known address and may delay your renewal. You may notify the City of Chesapeake by calling 757-382-6281, emailing at paytax@cityofchesapeake.net or visiting any of our four branches located in Chesapeake.

What is the definition of a kennel or cattery?

A kennel or 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?

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 required 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
824 Old George Washington Highway
Chesapeake, Virginia 23323
757-382-3660

Great Bridge
306 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, Virginia 23322
757-382-6281

South Norfolk
1205 20^th Street
Chesapeake, Virginia 23324
757-543-3555

Western Branch
2808 Taylor Road
Chesapeake, Virginia 23321
757-488-5182

Substations

Chesapeake Animal Services
2100 South Military Highway
Chesapeake, Virginia 23320
757-382-8080

American Hardware & Home Center
1204 S Military Highway
Chesapeake, Virginia 23320
757-424-9000

Animal Medical Clinic
921 North Battlefield Blvd.
Chesapeake, Virginia 23320
757-548-2000

Canine Designs
237 Battlefield Blvd. S.
Suite 17C
Chesapeake Virginia 23322
757-546-9668

Centerville Animal Hospital
300 S. Centerville Turnpike
Chesapeake, Virginia 23322
757-482-9410

Chesapeake Humane Society
Care Clinic
312 N. Battlefield Blvd.
Chesapeake, Virginia 23320
757-546-5355

Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism
Chesapeake Visitor Center
1224 Progressive Drive
Chesapeake, Virginia 23320
757-382-6411

Cooke Vet Medical Center
1520 Volvo Parkway
Chesapeake, Virginia 23320
757-547-9421

Creekmore Hardware Inc
1303 Bainbridge Blvd.
Chesapeake, Virginia 23324
757-545-5332

Family Veterinary Center
1101 S. Battlefield Blvd.
Chesapeake, Virginia 23322
757-410-7754

Hickory Vet
100 Kegman Road
Chesapeake, Virginia 23322
757-548-1548

Midway Veterinary Hospital
3710 Indian River Road
Chesapeake, Virginia 23325
757-366-4050