License and Microchip Information
Pet License
The City of Stockton Animal Shelter issues pet licenses for residents who reside within the Stockton city limits and in the unincorporated area of San Joaquin County. The main purpose of licensing your pet is to help ensure that you and your pet are reunited should your pet become lost. If you reside in another city within San Joaquin County, you will need to contact your local animal shelter.
If you reside within the Stockton city limits, you are allowed to own three dogs and three cats. You may purchase a 1, 2, or 3-year license. Reduced fees are available for pet owners age 55 or over.
To obtain a pet license, your pet must be current on its rabies vaccine. The Stockton Animal Shelter provides rabies vaccinations for $11.00. Please call ahead before bringing your pet for a rabies vaccination, as a veterinarian must be on-site to provide a rabies vaccination.
- Purchase a new pet license, renew an existing license, change your address or telephone number, or make a donation.
- Download a pet license application.
- Mail or bring the completed application and associated fees to the Stockton Animal Shelter.
Pet Microchip
A microchip is a device about the size of a grain of rice. It uses passive RFID (radio frequency identification) technology and contains a unique serial number that can be read by a portable, hand-held scanner. The microchip does not contain any moving parts or any power source and remains inactive until it is powered by the scanner. It is not a tracking device and does not work with GPS. Most veterinarians, shelters, and rescue organizations will scan a found animal free of charge.
An animal with a microchip is another way to help ensure a lost pet is reunited with its owner and helps to determine ownership of an animal. A microchip is required with the purchase of a City of Stockton Pet License. The Stockton Animal Shelter sells Found Animals microchips for $5.00, with no yearly registration fee.
You may register any brand of microchip with Found Animals. It is important that you update your contact information with the microchip provider so that you can be reunited with your pet, should your pet be lost.