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Animal Licenses & Permits

A license is your dog’s “ticket home.” 

Dog licensing is essential for you, your pet, and your community. If your dog gets lost, a license tag on their collar is the fastest and easiest way to get them back home. Unlike microchips, which require a special scanner device to read them, a license tag is visible for everyone.

License fees depend on the age of the dog and whether or not it is spayed or neutered. Licenses can be purchased on an annual, two- or three-year basis.

Licenses also apply if you have more than three dogs in a household within Missoula City limits. And licenses are not only for dogs! If you own chickens within city limits, you’ll need a chicken permit.

Fees

  • 1-year license: $15
  • 2 and 3 year licenses not applicable

Spayed or neutered

  • 1-year license: $20
  • 2-year: $25
  • 3-year: $50

Not spayed or neutered

  • 1-year license: $35
  • 2-year: $65
  • 3-year: $95

Spayed or neutered

  • 1-year: $10
  • 2-year: $17.50
  • 3-year: $25

Not spayed or neutered

  • 1-year: $17.50
  • 2-year: $32.50
  • 3-year: $47.50

  • Chicken permit: $30 for 3 years
  • County kennel license: Ranges from $100-150. Call us to apply.
  • 3+ dogs (within City limits only): Initial $75 fee, then $50 annually
  • Boarding kennel license (county only): $50
Black And White Herding Breed Dog Sitting On The Grass

Why does my dog need a license?

Dog licensing in Missoula County has been required by law since 1896. Failing to license your dog could result in a citation, so staying compliant isn’t just smart–it’s legally required.

Licensing is a primary source of income for Missoula Animal Services. Licensing fees help cover the cost of food, medical care and necessities for the animals in our care. Fees also help us find homes for pets who come to our shelter as strays and owner-surrenders. Thanks to licensing fees, 94% of the dogs that come to our shelter are either reunited with their owner or adopted.

Licensing fees are spent on:

  • Providing food and shelter to animals in our care
  • Covering medical expenses (like spays/neuters) for animals in our care
  • Reuniting lost pets with their owners
  • Helping neighbors resolve animal conflicts
  • Investigating animal cruelty cases
  • Educating the public on responsible pet ownership