Dog Licenses

Did you know?


Michigan Law requires dogs over 4 months of age, newly purchased/ acquired, or are just becoming Michigan residents obtain a Michigan Dog License.  Grand Traverse County uses 100% of revenue generated thru dog licenses to provide Animal Control Services to residents.
 

Importance of Licensing


  • Excellent identification system: Licensing your pet provides us the information needed to inform individuals or Animal Control of your contact information if your lost pet is found.
  • It ensures that your dog is rabies vaccinated.
  • It provides proof that the dog legally belongs to you.
  • It's the law.

First Time License Purchases

Please stop by  office or one of our authorized Licensing Locations.  Please bring your current/valid rabies certificate. A certificate of sterilization is also required if the information is not stated on the rabies certificate or is incorrect.  Rabies certificates will be returned to you for your records

Renewing Licenses


We will notify you via mail 1 to 2 months before your license expires.  

If your veterinarian is one of our authorized Licensing Locations you may purchase a new license when your dog receives their rabies vaccination.

You can also renew in person at our office or via mail.  You will be required to provide a current and valid rabies certificate.  A certificate of sterilization is also required if the information is not stated on the rabies certificate or is incorrect.  Rabies certificates will be returned to you for your records.

Payments can be mailed to our office:

Grand Traverse County Treasurer's Office
400 Boardman Ave.
Traverse City, MI  49684

Please make checks payable to:  "G.T. County Treasurer".  DO NOT send cash.

Please reference your phone number on your check so we may contact you if we have questions on your renewal.

Licensing Fees Effective 1/1/2017

*Puppy License only available to dogs who are 8 months or younger.
License Type Non- Sterilized Dogs Sterilized Dogs
Puppy* $8.00 $8.00
1-Year $30.00 $15.00
3-Year $60.00 $30.00

Replacements

If your dog has lost their collar or if your license number no longer legible please contact our office. We can assist getting you a free replacement!


Microchips & Tattoo Identifications


Microchips



 For Microchip implantation and registration for dogs contact your veterinarian.

Tattoo


Due to state financial constraints, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) can no longer operate the Dog Identification and Registration Program. The program was created to help reunite lost dogs to their owners. Dogs registered in the program were tattooed on the ear and inner thigh with a unique number (MI-<<5 digit number>>-A) by an individual that was designated by the department to tattoo dogs specifically for this registration program. Information pertaining to the dog, including tattoo number, breed, sex, age, and the owner, including owner name, address, and phone number, were entered in the state's official dog registration database.

The department will continue to issue reassignment of title registrations should an animal previously tattooed under the state-run program change ownership. If you have a dog that has been registered in the MDA Dog Identification and Registration Program and you are planning on transferring ownership to another individual, you must make an Assignment of Title for Change of Ownership. The original owner must sign the official registration where indicated under "Assignment of Title." The new owner must note their name, address, phone number, and sign where indicated under "Assignment of Title." The new owner must then submit the official registration along with a check or money order for $1.00 payable to the State of Michigan to: Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Animal Industry Division, PO Box 30017, Lansing, MI 48909. A new registration will be issued to the new owner upon receipt of the completed registration and fee.

MDARD will continue to maintain the official database containing registrant information for dogs tattooed prior to March 30, 2009 until December 31, 2029, to service those dogs already registered. Individuals finding a dog with a tattoo bearing the MI-<<5 digit number>>-A should call the department at 517-284-5769 within 48 hours of finding such dog to locate the owner.

MDARD also no longer registers individuals to be designated dog tattooers for the state-run program. If you are a designated dog tattooer, you must return all unused copies of Form AH-049/Application for Animal Identification Registration to the department to Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Animal Industry Division, P.O. Box 30017, Lansing, MI 48909 by March 30, 2009 as they are no longer valid documents.

If you have further questions or concerns, you may contact the department at 517-284-5769.