License your pet in South Bend
Every dog and cat over three months old in South Bend needs a license. Apply for your license online with a copy of your pet's current rabies certificate. Fees are waived for residents over the age of 62, as well as some service animals.
How to Apply
Make sure your pet's rabies vaccination is current
You'll upload a photo or PDF of the certificate. You will also need to include proof of spay/neuter for each pet, as well as microchip information.
Fill out the online application
Pet details, your contact information, and the certificate upload
Fill out online application(opens in a new tab)Pay your fee.
Fees may be paid in person with cash, check, or credit card; by mail with check or money order; or by calling SBARC at 574-235-9303. Your license is issued once payment clears. Renew each year.
Who needs one — and who's exempt
Anyone owning, keeping, or harboring a dog or cat over threemonths old must license it.
Some service animals may be exempt from the fee with appropriate documentation. This does not include emotional support animals.
Owner aged 62 or older — fee waived with proof of rabies and proof of spay/neuter. You still need to license your pets.
How to apply
Who needs one
Anyone owning, keeping, or harboring a dog or cat over three months old must license it. This includes seniors aged 62 and over, though their fee is waived (see below).
Who is exempt
Animals that are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up to date on rabies will have licensing fees waived.
Pet license fees
Annual License Fee by Number of Spayed/Neutered Animals
- Altered Animal - 1 year Rabies
- $20
- Altered Animal - 3 year Rabies
- $40
- Unaltered Animal - 1 year Rabies
- $50
- Unaltered Animal - 3 year Rabies
- $100
- Senior (62+), Altered Animal, Rabies
- $0
- Altered, Microchipped, Rabies
- $0
- Rental Horse
- $20
Residentially zoned homes are limited to three unaltered animals. Unaltered pets cost more because they're more likely to be found at large or produce unintended litters.