Animal Control

License Information

Which Dogs must have a License?

Any dog four months of age or older must have a license. Chesterfield County dogs must be licensed annually. A dog license consists of a receipt and a metal tag. Dog licenses may be purchased at any of the locations listed below. The tag will be stamped or marked Chesterfield County, with the sex of the dog, the calendar year in which the tag was issued and a serial number. Dog license receipts should be kept in a safe place and should be available upon request for inspection by any animal warden. Tags should be securely fastened to a substantial collar worn by the dog. Cats are not required to be licensed.

Anyone who brings a dog or cat into the county that has not been inoculated against rabies must have the animal inoculated by a currently licensed veterinarian within 30 days from the date the animal enters the county. If the dog has a current inoculation, evidence of the inoculation must be provided to purchase a dog license.

License Tax due dates and Fees

The license tax is payable on January 1 and must be paid no later than January 31 of each year. The fees are as follows:

• Male dog $7
• Female dog $7
• Unsexed dog $5 - (must show certificate of spaying or neutering)
• Kennel-20 dogs $25
• Kennel-50 dogs $35

How to Obtain a Dog License

A Chesterfield County resident may obtain a dog license at any of the locations listed below by furnishing a certificate of rabies vaccination and paying the license tax. Residents may also obtain dog licenses by mail.  Please see the mailing instructions below.  No license will be issued unless there is proof that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. If your dog has been spayed or neutered, please provide a certificate or invoice evidencing this to qualify for a discounted license tax.

Obtaining a Dog License by Mail

To obtain a dog license by mail, please print and complete the attached dog license application. A sample completed form is included.

Dog License Application

Dog License Application - Sample

Send the completed license application, a copy of the rabies certificate and a check or money order payable to Treasurer, Chesterfield County to the following address. If applicable, also enclose a certificate/invoice evidencing that the dog has been spayed or neutered to qualify for the discounted license tax.

Treasurer’s Office
P.O. Box 70
Chesterfield, Virginia 23832
Attention: Dog Licenses

A dog license will be mailed to the address listed on the dog license application unless otherwise requested.