All dogs are required by Michigan state law to be licensed and vaccinated for rabies. Failure to maintain proper licensing may result in additional fines and fees.
In order to obtain a dog license you MUST have proof of your dog's current rabies vaccination in the owner's name in the form of a veterinary SIGNED rabies certificate, as well as proof of your dog being spayed or neutered (if applicable). To obtain a dog license in person you must bring the vaccination certificate as well as proof of spay or neuter, and owner identification to the Macomb County Animal Control during our regular business hours.
Macomb County Animal Control provides licenses for all of the Macomb County residents except for those residing in Eastpointe, Mount Clemens, Sterling Heights and Warren. Residents in these areas will need to contact their local city offices to verify licensing instruction.
Fee schedule
1 Year Tag
- Spayed/neutered $10
- Unaltered $30
2 Year Tag
- Spayed/neutered $18
- Unaltered $55
3 Year Tag
- Spayed/neutered $25
- Unaltered $75
**Additional late fee of $20 will apply to those renewing
after their current license expiration date.**
Online licensing
You will need a copy of your dog's current rabies certificate (original or copy) and proof of spay/neuter (if not shown on the rabies certificate). Payment (see fee schedule) can be processed electronically with a debit or credit card. We will return all paperwork with your dog license by mail or email. Please note that license renewals done by mail will result in additional processing time up to six to eight weeks. Late fees are assessed based on the postmark date.
Mail or in person
You may register your dog license by mail or in person.
Please send in your dog's current rabies certificate (original or copy), proof of spay/neuter, and payment (see fee statement). We will return all paperwork with your dog license by mail. Please note that license renewals done by mail will result in an additional processing time of up to six to eight 8 weeks. Late fees are assessed based on the postmark date. Mail required paperwork and payments made payable to:
Macomb County Animal Control
21417 Dunham Road
Clinton Township MI 48036
Licensing FAQs
Unaltered dogs present a more significant strain on animal control and shelter resources than spayed and neutered pets. Spaying and neutering help prevent unwanted/unplanned pets, and ease the burden on government and nonprofit resources and taxpayers. The staggered fees were established to encourage responsible pet ownership, including spaying and neutering.
No. The dog does not need to be present for you to purchase a license. In fact, we recommend not bringing owned dogs into animal control unless requesting a microchip.
No. Each dog must have proof of a current rabies vaccination, administered by a licensed veterinarian. Titer tests will NOT be accepted as proof of rabies vaccination. Countywide licensing (with rabies vaccinations as a prerequisite) will reduce the risk of rabid dog bites throughout the county.
In order to qualify for a fee-free service dog license, your dog must perform specific work or tasks for you according to the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42, USC 12101 et seq. Therapy dogs or emotional support dogs do not qualify as a service dog. Service dogs can only be licensed for 1 year at a time without a fee. If you are denied your request, you will be required to pay the regular license fees.
If your veterinarian determines that your dog should not be vaccinated for rabies because of a medical issue, please have your veterinarian provide a letter stating the reason your dog is exempt from the rabies vaccination. The letter must be on the veterinary office letterhead and signed and dated by the vet. You will need to resubmit the letter each year to renew your dog license and will only be able to purchase a 1 year license each time.
