How to License Your Dog in Detroit: Fees, Paperwork and Steps
Updated October 19, 2026 路 Fees and rules rechecked against City of Detroit pages that day
If you've just brought a dog home in Detroit, the license is one of those chores that's easy to put off. Here's the process in plain steps, based on the City of Detroit's own pages.
Rules, fees and hours can change, so check the city's page before you apply. This guide isn't legal advice, and Bleu is not affiliated with the City of Detroit.
Why a license?
According to the city, a license is proof of ownership and proof that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies. Each Detroit license carries a unique identification number that shows the dog is registered to you. The city also says the dog should wear its collar and license at all times, and it encourages extra ID such as a tag with your phone number, or a microchip.
What you need
- Identification for the owner
- Proof of rabies vaccine
- Payment: online, or cash, check or money order made payable to the City of Detroit
The rabies certificate: the part that trips people up
- You need proof that your dog is currently vaccinated against rabies before you apply online.
- The copy of the certificate must show the manufacturer, serial number, date of vaccination, and the veterinarian's signature and license number. It must be received before a tag is issued.
- A license won't be issued if fewer than 31 days remain before the rabies vaccine expires. Get the vaccination updated first.
- The rabies vaccine must be given by a veterinarian.
Tip: if you just adopted a dog, ask the shelter or previous owner for the rabies certificate right away. If your vet gave the vaccine, ask the clinic to email you a copy, and ask for the full certificate, not just a receipt.
How much does it cost?
| Dog | Fee |
|---|---|
| Altered (neutered or spayed) | $10.00 |
| Unaltered (not neutered or spayed) | $15.00 |
How to apply
The city says you can apply online or in person.
Online: use the online application linked on the city's Dog Licensing page. Have the rabies certificate ready, and enter your mailing address carefully, because the tag is mailed to the address you provide.
In person: go to Detroit Animal Care and Control headquarters during normal business hours: 1431 E. Ferry Street, Detroit, MI 48211, phone 313-774-5491. The shelter is closed every third Wednesday of the month for in-service training (emergencies only), so check before you go.
Good to know
- Licenses aren't transferable between people or between dogs. A new dog needs its own license.
- Renew every year. The city says you must renew yearly, even if your dog has a three-year rabies vaccine.
- Keep the paperwork handy. Save a photo of the rabies certificate and your license number on your phone.
- Not in Detroit? Nearby cities and counties have their own rules and fees. Check with your city clerk or county. This guide covers only the City of Detroit.
Step-by-step checklist
- Get your dog's rabies certificate from your veterinarian.
- Check the vaccine has at least 31 days left before it expires. If not, renew it first.
- Note whether your dog is altered or unaltered ($10 or $15).
- Apply online, or in person at Detroit Animal Care and Control.
- Pay by an accepted method.
- Wait for the tag in the mail, then put it on your dog's collar.
Quick answers
Do I need a vet to get a license? The city requires proof of a rabies vaccine given by a veterinarian.
Where does the tag go? It's mailed to the mailing address on your application.
Is the fee different for puppies? The city's page lists fees only by altered or unaltered status. Ask the city about any puppy-specific rules.
Who do I call? Detroit Animal Care and Control, 313-774-5491.
Next: start training
With paperwork done, the Bleu dog training app offers free step-by-step lessons (Sit, Name Game and Leave It) that take a few minutes a day, plus a list of Detroit-area dog parks, shelters and trainers. It's educational only and doesn't replace your vet or a qualified trainer.
Open the free Bleu dog training app
Sources
- City of Detroit, Dog Licensing, fetched Oct 17, 2026: detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-animal-care-and-control/dog-licensing
- City of Detroit, Dog License FAQ (renewal, wearing the tag), fetched Oct 17, 2026: detroitmi.gov/how-do-i/apply-or-renew-license/dog-license
Bleu is an independent web app and isn't related to Pet Tutor BLU or to the City of Detroit.