Your Licensing Guide

Hitchcock Road Animal Services

Why License?

In accordance with state and local laws, pet licenses are mandatory in the areas that Hitchcock Road Animal Services serves. In fact, licenses are mandatory in nearly every community across North America. Why? Because licenses help keep pets and the communities they live in safe. DocuPet was brought on board to simplify and improve pet licensing to benefit not only pet owners like you, but the entire community. DocuPet makes it easy for Hitchcock Road Animal Services to deliver a successful pet licensing program with a streamlined software and management solution that makes licensing a breeze for pet owners and administrators alike.

Check out the ways you can license your pet below and feel good knowing that 100% of licensing revenue funds are given to Hitchcock Road Animal Services to support important animal welfare initiatives helping to improve your community.

What will you need?

Licensing your pet will require specific information and proof. Having these items at the ready allows for the fastest experience. You have the option to upload a document as a saved or scanned file, or you may take a photo directly from your device on our upload page.

Payment

We securely process payment online and accept all major credit and debit cards as forms of payment.

Documents

Spay/neuter certificate

This document is required to qualify for the discounted rate and is only needed once and will be saved to your pet’s profile upon upload for future renewals. This proof declaring that your pet has been spayed or neutered may be in the form of a statement or receipt from the veterinarian, shelter, or clinic that performed the procedure.

Rabies vaccination proof

This document serves as formal proof that your pet has received a California-approved rabies vaccination. This document may be in the form of a Rabies Vaccination Certificate that has been signed by a veterinarian or certified professional. It is the law that pets must be up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations, so new documents will need to be uploaded to your pets profile as they receive their booster shots.

How to License

The fastest and easiest way to license or renew is right here. You’ll create a profile for your pet, upload any necessary documents, process your license registration, and receive purchase confirmations via email. Payment can be made using a credit card or Visa/Mastercard debit card. Each year, you just need to log in to your existing account and renew - it’s super easy!

Renew my pet's license

My pet has a license, but it has expired or will very soon.

Renew now

License a pet for the first time

I've never licensed a pet with Hitchcock Road Animal Services before.

License now
Hitchcock Road Animal Services

Select your community

Hitchcock Road Animal Services is contracted to issue licenses in the following communities

Unincorporated Monterey County

City of Salinas

City of Del Rey Oaks

City of Carmel-by-the-Sea

Unincorporated Monterey County
Details & Fees

Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in Unincorporated Monterey County. Cat licensing remains voluntary at this time. Licenses are available for 1, 2, or 3 year year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Dog Licenses 1 Year Fee 2 Year Fee 3 Year Fee
Altered Dog $23.00 $34.00 $46.00
Unaltered Dog $62.00 $77.00 $101.00
Altered Dog - Senior (60+) Owner $13.00 $13.00 $13.00
Cat Licenses (Voluntary) 1 Year Fee 2 Year Fee 3 Year Fee
Altered Cat $5.00 $5.00 $5.00
Unaltered Cat $11.00 $11.00 $11.00
Altered Dog
1 Year Fee $23.00
2 Year Fee $34.00
3 Year Fee $46.00
Unaltered Dog
1 Year Fee $62.00
2 Year Fee $77.00
3 Year Fee $101.00
Altered Dog - Senior (60+) Owner
1 Year Fee $13.00
2 Year Fee $13.00
3 Year Fee $13.00
Altered Cat (Voluntary)
1 Year Fee $5.00
2 Year Fee $5.00
3 Year Fee $5.00
Unaltered Cat (Voluntary)
1 Year Fee $11.00
2 Year Fee $11.00
3 Year Fee $11.00

Voluntary cat licenses are available in Unincorporated Monterey County. Although not required, licensing your cat is a great way to help ensure their safety.

A replacement Hitchcock Road Animal Services tag is available for a $5.00 fee or at no additional charge when you license your pet.

All licenses expire the day they were purchased, 1, 2, or 3 years in the future depending on the term of the license purchased, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.

A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.

A spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.

When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.

Failure to license your pet may result in a fine.

A late fee of $34.00 will apply 30 days following license expiration.

Pet owners must be 60 or older with an altered dog to qualify for senior citizen rates.

Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.

City of Salinas
Details & Fees

Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in the City of Salinas. Cat licensing remains voluntary at this time. Licenses are available for 1, 2, or 3 year year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Dog Licenses 1 Year Fee 2 Year Fee 3 Year Fee
Altered Dog $23.00 $34.00 $46.00
Unaltered Dog $62.00 $77.00 $101.00
Altered Dog - Senior (60+) Owner $13.00 $13.00 $13.00
Cat Licenses (Voluntary) 1 Year Fee 2 Year Fee 3 Year Fee
Altered Cat $5.00 $5.00 $5.00
Unaltered Cat $11.00 $11.00 $11.00
Altered Dog
1 Year Fee $23.00
2 Year Fee $34.00
3 Year Fee $46.00
Unaltered Dog
1 Year Fee $62.00
2 Year Fee $77.00
3 Year Fee $101.00
Altered Dog - Senior (60+) Owner
1 Year Fee $13.00
2 Year Fee $13.00
3 Year Fee $13.00
Altered Cat (Voluntary)
1 Year Fee $5.00
2 Year Fee $5.00
3 Year Fee $5.00
Unaltered Cat (Voluntary)
1 Year Fee $11.00
2 Year Fee $11.00
3 Year Fee $11.00

Voluntary cat licenses are available in the City of Salinas. Although not required, licensing your cat is a great way to help ensure their safety.

A replacement Hitchcock Road Animal Services tag is available for a $5.00 fee or at no additional charge when you license your pet.

All licenses expire the day they were purchased, 1, 2, or 3 years in the future depending on the term of the license purchased, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.

A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.

A spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.

When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.

Failure to license your pet may result in a fine.

A late fee of $34.00 will apply 30 days following license expiration.

Pet owners must be 60 or older with an altered dog to qualify for senior citizen rates.

Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.

City of Del Rey Oaks
Details & Fees

Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in the City of Del Rey Oaks. Cat licensing remains voluntary at this time. Licenses are available for 1, 2, or 3 year year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Dog Licenses 1 Year Fee 2 Year Fee 3 Year Fee
Altered Dog $23.00 $34.00 $46.00
Unaltered Dog $62.00 $77.00 $101.00
Altered Dog - Senior (60+) Owner $13.00 $13.00 $13.00
Cat Licenses (Voluntary) 1 Year Fee 2 Year Fee 3 Year Fee
Altered Cat $5.00 $5.00 $5.00
Unaltered Cat $11.00 $11.00 $11.00
Altered Dog
1 Year Fee $23.00
2 Year Fee $34.00
3 Year Fee $46.00
Unaltered Dog
1 Year Fee $62.00
2 Year Fee $77.00
3 Year Fee $101.00
Altered Dog - Senior (60+) Owner
1 Year Fee $13.00
2 Year Fee $13.00
3 Year Fee $13.00
Altered Cat (Voluntary)
1 Year Fee $5.00
2 Year Fee $5.00
3 Year Fee $5.00
Unaltered Cat (Voluntary)
1 Year Fee $11.00
2 Year Fee $11.00
3 Year Fee $11.00

Voluntary cat licenses are available in the City of Del Rey Oaks. Although not required, licensing your cat is a great way to help ensure their safety.

A replacement Hitchcock Road Animal Services tag is available for a $5.00 fee or at no additional charge when you license your pet.

All licenses expire the day they were purchased, 1, 2, or 3 years in the future depending on the term of the license purchased, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.

A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.

A spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.

When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.

Failure to license your pet may result in a fine.

A late fee of $34.00 will apply 30 days following license expiration.

Pet owners must be 60 or older with an altered dog to qualify for senior citizen rates.

Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.

City of Carmel-by-the-Sea
Details & Fees

Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Cat licensing remains voluntary at this time. Licenses are available for 1, 2, or 3 year year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Dog Licenses 1 Year Fee 2 Year Fee 3 Year Fee
Altered Dog $23.00 $34.00 $46.00
Unaltered Dog $62.00 $77.00 $101.00
Altered Dog - Senior (60+) Owner $13.00 $13.00 $13.00
Cat Licenses (Voluntary) 1 Year Fee 2 Year Fee 3 Year Fee
Altered Cat $5.00 $5.00 $5.00
Unaltered Cat $11.00 $11.00 $11.00
Altered Dog
1 Year Fee $23.00
2 Year Fee $34.00
3 Year Fee $46.00
Unaltered Dog
1 Year Fee $62.00
2 Year Fee $77.00
3 Year Fee $101.00
Altered Dog - Senior (60+) Owner
1 Year Fee $13.00
2 Year Fee $13.00
3 Year Fee $13.00
Altered Cat (Voluntary)
1 Year Fee $5.00
2 Year Fee $5.00
3 Year Fee $5.00
Unaltered Cat (Voluntary)
1 Year Fee $11.00
2 Year Fee $11.00
3 Year Fee $11.00

Voluntary cat licenses are available in the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Although not required, licensing your cat is a great way to help ensure their safety.

A replacement Hitchcock Road Animal Services tag is available for a $5.00 fee or at no additional charge when you license your pet.

All licenses expire the day they were purchased, 1, 2, or 3 years in the future depending on the term of the license purchased, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.

A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.

A spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.

When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.

Failure to license your pet may result in a fine.

A late fee of $34.00 will apply 30 days following license expiration.

Pet owners must be 60 or older with an altered dog to qualify for senior citizen rates.

Licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.

Frequently Asked Questions

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HELP DESK

Visit our Help Desk for more information: https://docupetinc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us

LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS

Licenses expire at the end of the license term selected unless your pet's current rabies vaccination expiration date falls prior to the end of the term. A license cannot be valid at any time a pet's rabies is expired. If you provide new proof of rabies expiration extending beyond the original term selected prior to the license expiration date, your pet's license may be extended to the full term originally selected.

You may have entered your address incorrectly or we may not have your address in the address database for your community. Please double-check all spelling and ensure you are using the abbreviated form for your street type ex. St instead of Street. You may contact Hitchcock Road Animal Services directly if you believe you reside within their jurisdiction but your address is not being accepted by the system.

Licenses are required to be renewed prior to the expiration date each year.

You may renew your pet's license within 60 days of your pet's current license expiration date. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new license will start the day after expiration, not on the date of purchase.

You may license in person at Hitchcock Road Animal Services located at 160 Hitchcock Rd, Salinas CA 93908.

All pets over the age of 4 months are required to be licensed.

Temporary licenses expire after 30 days. To convert a temporary license into a full license you must provide new proof of rabies expiration prior to the temporary license expiration date. If the rabies expiration date extends beyond the original term selected your pet's license may be extended to the full term originally selected. If the newly provided rabies expiration date falls prior to the term end, the new license expiration date will be the same as the rabies vaccination expiration date.

Hitchcock Road Animal Services provides licensing services for the following areas:

  • City of Carmel-by-the-Sea
  • City of Del Ray Oaks
  • City of Salinas
  • Unincorporated Monterey County

As per California State law, a pet license may not be valid at anytime a pet's rabies vaccination is expired.

FEES AND FINES

If your community requires proof of spay/neuter for your pet in order to receive a discounted licensing rate, you will need to upload the appropriate documentation stating that your pet has been spayed/neutered to your online account. Once the documentation has been approved by Hitchcock Road Animal Servies, you will be eligible to receive the new discounted rate. Otherwise, you can visit Hitchcock Road Animal Services in person at 160 Hitchcock Rd, Salinas CA 93908 and show proof of spay/neuter there.

Please visit Hitchcock Road Animal Services in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. Once the team there verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.

No, there is no discount for licensing multiple pets. Each pet will be charged the appropriate licensing fee.

Visit this page for licensing options and fees.

Those aged 60 and older may qualify for a senior citizen rate. Your pet must be spayed/neutered to receive the senior rate.

For all online orders, a processing fee is applied on license purchases at a rate of 2.65% + $0.25 per transaction.

Late fees come into effect if a license is not renewed within 30 days of the original expiration date.

ACCOUNT UPDATES

We’re sorry! Unfortunately, unless you update your account to reflect that a pet is no longer in your care, we have no way of knowing. Have you already told us? You may have a duplicate account. Get in touch with your licensing organization or our DocuPet customer service team to update your record.

If you are moving, please be sure to update your address by logging into your online account and navigating to your Profile Settings page. Even though you are moving, you’ll still be able to keep your pet's tag and access your pet's online account. However, your current license may not be valid in the new community you are moving to. Please get in touch with the pet licensing provider in the new community you are moving to in order to find out more information.

We're sorry for your loss. You can update a pet's profile via your online account by editing your pet's profile and selecting 'Remove this Pet'.

CITY INFORMATION AND CITY ORDINANCES

Please get in touch with Hitchcock Road Animal Services at (831) 769-8850.

The following species are required to be licensed: Dogs are mandatory and cats are voluntary

  • City of Salinas
    • Visit this page for information on licensing ordinances/bylaws. 
  • County of Monterey
    • Visit this page for information on licensing ordinances/bylaws. 

DOCUMENT SUBMISSION

To license your pet, you will be required to show proof that the pet's rabies vaccination is current. Documentation is also required to verify that a pet has been spayed or neutered and must be provided in order to receive the discounted rate. Requiring documentation ensures that provided pet information is accurate, which is critical for identification and safety reasons.

To license your pet, you will be required to show proof that the pet's rabies vaccination is current. Documentation is also required to verify that a pet has been spayed or neutered and must be provided in order to receive the discounted rate. Requiring documentation ensures that provided pet information is accurate, which is critical for identification and safety reasons.

Documentation uploaded via the online system is typically reviewed within two to three business days.

A rabies proof is required to prove that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies. A rabies proof identifying your pet as spayed/neutered or a spay/neuter proof may be accepted as documentation of sterilization.

You will need to complete the required paperwork and visit Hitchcock Road Animal Services in person to qualify for rabies exemption.

If you can’t locate the document you received after the procedure was done, you will need to contact your vet to obtain your pet's records. Be sure to specify any and all pets you require documentation for.
Once you’ve got the paperwork in your hands, take a look to ensure:

  • The document provided is the right type of proof required.
  • Pet and pet owner account data matches your own.
  • The document is clear and legible.

A valid rabies proof is required to purchase a pet license. A 30-day temporary license may be issued if you do not have rabies proof at the time of licensing. Proof of spay/neuter is required to receive the discounted altered rates.