Did you know that all dogs and cats over four months old in the city of Alexandria must be licensed? Licensing helps animal control reunite you with your cat or dog if it ever gets lost and helps give our city a more accurate census of its animal residents so recreational and other resources can be appropriately allocated. The fees are a small price to pay for your pet's safety. If your animals are not licensed, call 703-838-4774 to request a license application, download the application or come to the shelter with proof of your pet's rabies vaccination and sterilization. There is no penalty for licensing previously unlicensed animals.

In the City of Alexandria pet licensing has the following characteristics:

• Owners have the option of purchasing a multi-year license, depending upon the pets rabies vaccine expiration.
• Licenses expire at the end of the month in which the pets rabies vaccine expires.
• Senior citizen discounts are offered for dog licenses - discount of $5 for a one-year license or $15 for a three-year license. Proof of senior status (age 65) must be provided to purchase a discounted license.
• Licenses must be purchased within 30 days of moving into the City, or of acquiring the pet. Renewal licenses must be purchased within 10 days of the expiration date of the previous license.