Miami-Dade Dog License Guide: Fees & Renewals

Step-by-step Miami-Dade dog license renewal

Miami-Dade dog license rules can feel confusing, so we put together a simple guide. Below you will find requirements, fees, and renewal steps, plus where to buy or replace a tag for Miami dog daycare and boarding.

Dog Hotel Daycare Training Grooming Miami 67

The basics at a glance

Who needs a license: Every dog four months or older that lives in Miami-Dade.
Who can register: An adult 18 or older who lives in Miami-Dade.
How renewals work: Your license term matches your rabies vaccination. If your vet gave a three-year vaccine, you can purchase a three-year tag and the expiration will align with the vaccine’s expiration.

Where to purchase or renew

Choose the option that’s most convenient.

Your veterinarian’s office during a regular visit
Miami-Dade Animal Services Pet Adoption and Protection Center in Doral
311 Service Centers across the county
By mail with a copy of your rabies certificate and check or money order
Online: The County lists online search tools, but new purchases and renewals are handled in person or by mail. You can use the License Tag Lookup to check a tag number or expiration before your visit.

What to bring

Rabies vaccination certificate with the date and vaccine duration
Photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport
Proof of Miami-Dade address
If you qualify for discounted fees, bring proof of public assistance and proof of spay or neuter

Fees at a glance

Fees are set by the County and can change. Check the official page before you go.

Spayed or neutered dogs: One-year tag $30. Three-year tag $90.
Not spayed or neutered: One-year tag $60. Three-year tag $180.
Low-income options: $5 to $15 for one-year tags if you meet eligibility.
Replacement tag: $5.

A quick note about rabies

Florida law requires rabies vaccination for dogs, cats, and ferrets by four months of age, with revaccination on the schedule the vaccine manufacturer specifies. Local officials issued a rabies alert in Miami-Dade on March 28, 2025 after a confirmed case, which is a helpful reminder to keep shots current. Nationally, thousands of animal rabies cases are recorded each year, mostly in wildlife. Vaccinating pets helps prevent exposure and keeps families safe.

Step-by-step: get licensed or renew on time

Check your rabies due date. Your license follows the vaccine anniversary.
Gather documents. Rabies certificate, ID, proof of address, and any discount proof.
Choose your location. Vet office, the Doral shelter, a 311 Service Center, or mail.
Pick the right term. If your vet gave a three-year vaccine, request a three-year tag.
Keep your receipt and tag number. Use the County’s lookup tool if you misplace paperwork before daycare or boarding.

FAQs for Miami dog parents

Do I need a license for daycare or boarding?
County law requires the license for dogs four months and older. We will always ask for current rabies vaccination records, and we recommend keeping your license current for identification and compliance.

Can I renew online?
Use the official County page for the latest steps. Purchases and renewals are handled through vet offices, Animal Services, 311 Service Centers, or by mail. The online tools are great for searching or verifying a tag.

What if I lost the tag?
Request a replacement at Animal Services or a 311 Service Center. The expiration will stay the same as your original tag.

Planning a visit with us?

If you would like, email us a photo of your rabies certificate before your Miami dog daycare or Miami dog boarding reservation. We will double-check everything so drop-off is easy.