Here's How To License Your Pet In Sioux Falls

If you’re a pet owner in Sioux Falls, there’s a good chance your four-legged roommate has a license. And if they don’t, you might want to take care of that sooner rather than later.

In case you were not aware, Sioux Falls has a city ordinance requiring pets to be licensed, and now there’s an easier way to get it done without making your dog, cat or other household critter sit through a trip to the vet.

According to Pigeon 605, the City of Sioux Falls has partnered with DocuPet to provide residents with an online pet licensing service.

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Of course, if you prefer doing things the old-fashioned way, you can still register your pet in person at the Sioux Falls Law Enforcement Center at 320 West Fourth Street.

There is one important change pet owners should know about: Pet licenses are no longer available through Sioux Falls veterinary clinics.

Sgt. Aaron Benson with the Sioux Falls Police Department told Pigeon 605 that many residents may not realize a city ordinance requires pet licensing.

If you have a dog or cat that is 6 months old or older, it must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed with the city.

And honestly, the licensing fees aren't exactly going to break the bank. For a spayed or neutered dog or cat, a one-year license costs just $5.00, while a three-year license costs $15.00. If your pet hasn't been spayed or neutered, the cost is $25.00 for one year or $75.00 for three years.

Once your pet is registered, the city will mail you a license tag, and an online profile will be created for your pet.

Now, about that part you probably really want to know about: What happens if you don't license your pet?

Let's say Bella or Buttons has been living the unlicensed life and you decide to roll the dice. If you're caught with an unregistered pet, you could be looking at a $107.50 fine for each unregistered pet.

Suddenly, that $5.00 license doesn't sound so bad, does it?

So, whatever you have roaming around your home with four legs that needs to be licensed, now is a good time to check your records. As the city puts it, “Licensing does matter.” It's required and can be beneficial in many ways. So if they're not registered already, you might want to get your fur baby or babies registered soon.

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