News

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office's new online dog licensing portal is at attention and ready to serve. 

In a press release sent out Tuesday, the sheriff's office states that residents in the unincorporated areas of Humboldt County can now use the online portal —available at the county’s website (humboldtgov.org/DogLicenseRegistration) — to "purchase or renew their dog’s license from anywhere in the world using a credit or debit card."

In the age of COVID-19, this is a convenient and safe alternative to coming into the animal shelter.

The new portal is meant only for residents living outside of incorporated cities in the county (Arcata, Eureka, Blue Lake, Trinidad, Fortuna, Ferndale and Rio Dell) as these cities have their own licensing database separate from the county.

For more on this new service, read the release below:

Purchasing a dog license in the County of Humboldt is now easier than ever with a new online platform allowing residents to license their pets from anywhere.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office recently launched a new online dog licensing portal, available at the county’s website (humboldtgov.org/DogLicenseRegistration). The portal allows residents in the unincorporated areas of Humboldt County to purchase or renew their dog’s license from anywhere in the world using a credit or debit card.

“Paying our bills online has become a way of life for people, resulting in many individuals not having the ability to pay via check,” Animal Control and Facilities Manager Andre Hale said. “Giving them the option to pay online allows for those individuals to comply with their licensing requirement without having to order checks, purchase a money order or pay in person.”

Not only does the new portal provide residents with more convenience, it’s also expected to reduce costs for the Animal Shelter when it comes to processing licenses and mailing receipts and renewal notices.According to Hale, the portal is also a timely addition in light of COVID-19.

“Dog owners can now acquire their dog license without needing to come to the shelter to do so. With COVID being a current issue, we are happy that this new feature is available to reduce the amount of potential exposure to others,” Hale said.

The new portal is meant only for residents living outside of incorporated cities in the county (Arcata, Eureka, Blue Lake, Trinidad, Fortuna, Ferndale and Rio Dell) as these cities have their own licensing database separate from the county. Fees paid via the online dog licensing portal are non-refundable, so residents are encouraged to make sure they are licensing with the proper jurisdiction.

County Ordinance Section 541-32(a) requires all dogs residing in the county to be licensed, regardless of whether the dog ever leaves the home. Licenses are due yearly on the anniversary date of the dog’s rabies vaccination. Dog license fees paid to Humboldt County Animal Control go directly to supporting the Humboldt County Animal Shelter and Animal Control Officers.

To find out more about dog licensing and local fees, visit: humboldtgov.org/384/Dog-Licensing