Pet Licensing and Vaccinations

Dogs and cats in Sioux Falls must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. The City has partnered with DocuPet to make licensing simple and to help reunite lost pets with their owners.

Pet Vaccinations

Rabies shots are required for all dogs and cats 6 months of age or older.

Rabies vaccinations must be kept up to date under City ordinance 90.031. This applies to all dogs, cats, and other domestic pets. Visit any licensed veterinarian in Sioux Falls to get your pet vaccinated. Ask your vet about a schedule that works for your pet.

Pet Licensing

Licensing is available online or in person.

  • You will need your pet’s rabies vaccination information to complete the process.
  • You can also license your pet in person at the Law Enforcement Center, Records Section (320 W. 4th St.).

Questions? Call the Records Section at 605-367-7226.

License Your Pet Online ↗

Spayed and neutered pets cost $5 for a one-year license.

Licenses are available for a 1-year or 3-year term.

Type 1-Year 3-Year
Spayed or neutered cat or dog $5 $15
Unspayed or unneutered cat or dog $25 $75

A card service fee applies to all card payments.

Every license includes free 24/7 lost pet protection through DocuPet.

Each tag has a unique ID linked to a secure online profile for your pet. DocuPet’s dispatch team is available to help bring your pet home.

  • If your pet is lost, file a report, and DocuPet will alert you when it’s found. Go online to DocuPet and file a Lost Pet Report. DocuPet will notify you as soon as someone reports finding your pet.

  • If you find a pet, the tag ID is all you need to get it home. Look up the tag’s unique ID number at DocuPet and file a Found Pet Report. DocuPet will notify the owner right away.

  • DocuPet will send you a reminder when your license is up for renewal. If you licensed your pet before DocuPet, your license is still valid. When it is time to renew, DocuPet will send a notification to renew online.

Keep your profile up to date so DocuPet can reach you.

Common Questions

I lost my DocuPet tag. Can I get a replacement?

Replacement tags are $1 at the Law Enforcement Center. Buy a replacement tag in Records at the Law Enforcement Center, 320 W. 4th St. Your DocuPet profile stays active if you lose your tag. Update your profile with the new tag ID after you pick up your replacement.

What happens if I don’t license my pet?

In the City of Sioux Falls, all dogs and cats over the age of 6 months must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies per Ordinance 90.075. Failure to license your pet may result in a fine.

I just moved to Sioux Falls. When do I need to license my pet?

Licensing your pet is essential for best practice animal care and community protection. All residents in the City of Sioux Falls are expected to license their pets to comply with the city ordinance.

I am moving or no longer have my pet. How do I cancel my license?

Pet owners may update their pet’s status through their online account or by contacting the Sioux Falls Police Department Records Section, 605-367-7226.

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