Animal/Pet Licensing

Dog and Cat Licensing

All dogs and cats over the age of four months are required to be licensed. Licenses must be transferred for a dog or cat to a new owner within 5 days of the transfer by notifying the Finance Department.

Animal Licensing Period

• Licenses are valid for the calendar year (January 1 to December 31st). 
• Reapplication for a license can be made until March 1st of each year without assessment of a fee surcharge.

License Application

Applications are available at the Finance Department and the Clinton Human Society. No license shall be issued to a person under the age of 18. The application must be made within 30 days of obtaining the animal, or at age four months of the animal. 

Items Needed for Application

• Current rabies certificate from a licensed veterinarian which contains the tag number and expiration date of the rabies vaccine, or an exemption letter from a veterinarian. 
• Evidence the animal has or has not been spayed or neutered.
• Evidence that the animal has or has not been microchipped.
• Name, color, sex and breed of dog or cat.
• Name, address, phone number and date of birth for the owner.

License Fees

Excess Animals / Restriction on Number of Animals

If a person has 7 or more animals at the time of implementation of the City ordinance (June 11, 2024), the animals may remain at the home as long as a City license is up-to-date and the location is registered with the City. The registration entails a one-time excessive numbers permit with a fee of $10. This is a one-time fee, but annual renewal is required at no cost. 

A person cannot acquire and have more than 7 animals after June 11, 2024. 

Animal Ordinance

The City's Animal Protection and Control Ordinance can be found on the City's American Legal website.