Lifetime Dog Licenses Issued by Fairfax City

Dogs older than four month who reside in Fairfax City must have a city-issued dog license. The city transitioned to lifetime dog tags in 2019 to reduce a dog owner's financial burden and improve convenience.

Cost: $20

How to purchase your lifetime dog licenses or remove your pet from the City:

• In person: Treasurer's Office, City Hall Room 234
• Online: Download and complete the application, then mail the application with the fee and the dog's rabies certificate to the address included on the application
• Contact us: email, 703-385-7900

Why do I need a dog license?

Code of Virginia 3.2-65 (Article 5) requires all dogs older than four months of age to have a current rabies vaccination, and purchase a dog license from the locality in which they live. The General Assembly made this decision to help prevent the spread of rabies in Virginia.

When dogs are vaccinated against rabies, veterinarians are required to submit that documentation to your local Treasurer’s Office.

Dog owners who have not yet purchased a dog license by the time the documentation is submitted will receive a license application from the Treasurer's Office, with instructions on how to purchase a license.

Are cats licensed?

No, but cats must be vaccinated against rabies.

Lost or missing tag?

The city will replace lost dog license tags for $1 each.

Click here for a dog license application.