Pet License

The Richland County Pet License is valid for one year. You will be notified by mail to renew one month ahead of the expiration date.

All citizens residing in the unincorporated areas of Richland County, as well as the Town of Arcadia Lakes, Town of Blythewood, Town of Eastover, Town of Forest Acres, and the Town of Irmo municipalities are required to license all pets.

Commercial Pet Breeders should license all animals and apply for the Commercial Pet Breeder Permit.

Online

Before you begin

Have access to digital copies of your rabies vaccine certificate and proof of pet spay/neuter.

Apply and Pay for a Pet License Online

Step 1.Select the correct dropdown.

You will need to select "Public" from the dropdown menu at the top of the screen.

Step 2.Select apply (first time) or log in.

For those applying for a pet license for the first time, set up an account and choose"apply" under the "permits" section. If you already have an account, simply log in.

Step 3.Complete the fields.

Agree to the terms and then choose the appropriate license type (dog or cat).

Step 4.Upload documents.

You will need to upload the rabies vaccination certificate for the licensed pet.

Step 5.Submit your payment.

A credit/debit card payment will be taken at the end of the process.

By Mail

Step 1.Download the pet license application.

You can download and print out a copy the pet license application form(PDF, 448KB) orcall the Ombudsman's Office at (803) 929-6000 and request an application.

Step 2.Mail the application, pet document copies and payment.

Mail your completed application with a copy of your pet’s current vaccination record and proof of spay or neuter, if applicable to:

Richland County Animal Care
400 Powell Road
Columbia, South Carolina 29203

In Person

Step 1.Visit our office between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

You can purchase your pet license in person at 400 Powell Road, Columbia.

Step 2.Provide copies of your pet's documents.

Remember to bring a copy of your pet’s current vaccination record and proof of spay or neuter, if applicable.

Step 3.Complete the payment in person.

Please bring a check, cash, or money order.

 

Some of the benefits of licensing your pet include:

  • A pet license identifies and protects your dog or cat in case they get lost.
  • A pet wearing a County tag lets the Animal Care officer know the dog or cat belongs to someone.
  • A pet license ensures animals are vaccinated against rabies.
  • The County staff will notify you immediately to redeem your pet.
  • Your pet will get a longer care period.
  • A found pet can be reunited quickly with its owner.

Pet License Details

Fee

$4.21 spayed/neutered
$21.07 fertile*

*Exceptions:

  • statement from a licensed veterinarian the pet cannot withstand spay/neuter surgery for health reasons;
  • proof of participation in a nationally recognized event within the past 12 months; or
  • documentation for hunting dogs from a nationally recognized organization.

Documents

  • Proof of rabies vaccination from a licensed veterinarian.
  • Proof of spay/neuter if applicable.

Pet License Specialist

803-929-6000

Related Pages

Animal Services

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