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St. Joseph pet licensing

Why license?

In accordance with state and local laws, pet licenses are mandatory in the City of St. Joseph. 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 St. Joseph 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.

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 example

    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 example

    Rabies vaccination proof

    This document serves as formal proof that your pet has received a 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

Online

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 St. Joseph Animal Service before.

License now
In-person

In person licensing is available at the following location(s) however it’s important to know you will still receive your tag in the mail:

Don’t forget to check hours of operation, appointment policies, and accepted payment methods prior to heading out.

St. Joseph Animal Services
701 Lower Lake Rd, St. Joseph, MO 64504

Mail

If you opt to license via snail mail - keep in mind processing your registration will take a lot longer!

Make sure you complete the below form in full and that it is free of any errors otherwise your registration may not be successfully processed. The fine print is there for a reason so keep an eye out for accepted payment methods, who the check should be made out to, where it should be mailed, and any required supporting documentation.

Pet license form

Phone

If you're unable to complete your pet's license online, you can contact our Customer Care team for assistance. Please note that licenses are primarily designed to be completed online, and phone support is intended for troubleshooting or special circumstances.
You must have up-to-date spay/neuter or rabies documentation on file. We can accept credit cards and Visa/Mastercard debit cards for payment.

DocuPet Customer Care: 1-877-239-6072
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Saturday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM CST (excluding holidays)
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM CST

License fees & details

Pet licenses are required for all dogs and cats living in the City of St. Joseph. Licenses are available for 1 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
Dog Licenses1 Year Fee
Spayed/Neutered Dog$10.00
Unaltered Dog$25.00
Cat Licenses
Cat Licenses1 Year Fee
Spayed/Neutered Cat$10.00
Unaltered Cat$25.00
  • A replacement tag is available for a $0.25 fee.
  • A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
  • All licenses expire the day they were purchased, 1 year 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 spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.
  • Failure to license your pet may result in a fine.
  • Licenses are required for all dogs and cats over 3 months of age.

Frequently asked questions

HELP DESK

Still have a question that you have not been able to answer?

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

PROGRAM AND PARTNERSHIP

Why does the system say my address is not valid?

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 St. Joseph Animal Services directly if you believe you reside within their jurisdiction but your address is not being accepted by the system.

LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS

Where can I license in person?

You may license in person at St. Joseph Animal Services located at 701 Lower Lake Rd, St. Joseph, MO 64504.

When can I renew my pet's license?

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.

When does my pet's temporary license expire?

Temporary licenses expire after 60 days. To convert a temporary license into a full license you must provide new proof of rabies vaccination prior to the temporary license expiration date. 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.

How old does my pet need to be for me to license them?

All dogs and cats over the age of 3 months are required to be licensed.

Do licenses need to be renewed annually?

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

What jurisdictions does St. Joseph Animal Services provide licensing services for?

St. Joseph Animal Services provides licensing services for the following areas:

  • City of St. Joseph

If you reside outside the city limits of St. Joseph but are interested in obtaining a license, please contact St. Joseph Animal Services.

Why does my pet's license expire on their rabies vaccination expiration date?

In the City of St. Joseph, a pet license may not be valid at any time that a pet's rabies vaccination is not current.

When does my pet's license expire?

Licenses expire at the end of the 1 year term 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.

ACCOUNT UPDATES

How do I notify DocuPet that my pet has passed away?

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'.

My pet is no longer with me, but I’m still receiving renewal reminders?

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.

Does my license transfer if I am moving?

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.

FEES AND FINES

What is the processing fee?

A processing fee of $2.00 per license product applies to all online orders.

Is there a discount for licensing multiple pets?

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

My pet has been spayed/neutered since I last purchased their pet license. How do I qualify for the discounted rate?

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 St. Joseph Animal Services, you will be eligible to receive the new discounted rate. Otherwise, you can visit St. Joseph Animal Services in person at 701 Lower Lake Rd, St. Joseph, MO 64504 and show proof of spay/neuter there.

My pet is a service animal. Do I qualify for a discounted license rate?

No, service animals are subject to the standard license fee.

TAGS

How do I receive my tag if I don't have a current address?

Please visit St. Joseph Animal Services in-person located at 701 Lower Lake Rd, St. Joseph, MO 64504, and they will be able to assist you.

CITY INFORMATION AND CITY ORDINANCES

Who do I call if there’s an emergency involving dogs? (dog attack, loose dog, etc.)

Please get in touch with St. Joseph Animal Services at 816-271-4877.

What species are required to be licensed?

The following species are required to be licensed: Dogs and Cats.

Where can I find information about the pet licensing ordinance/bylaw?

Visit this page for information on licensing ordinances/bylaws.

DOCUMENT SUBMISSION

What are acceptable documentation types?

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.

Where can I obtain a copy of my pet’s rabies or spay/neuter document?

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.
Can I still license my pet if I don’t have the required documentation?

Yes! A temporary license can be issued while you gather your documents. Just follow one of the licensing methods listed above to get started. Please note that proof must be submitted before the temporary license expires, otherwise a new license will need to be purchased.

What documentation is required to purchase a license?

A valid rabies proof is required to purchase a pet license. A 60 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.

Why do I have to upload a rabies and spay/neuter document for my pet?

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.

Why won't the system allow me to license without a new rabies document?

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.