How to License Your Dog With DocuPet

Oakland County has made it easier for residents to license their dogs and keep pets safe with the launch of an online licensing program. In partnership with DocuPet, a pet registration and lost-pet recovery service, the new system streamlines dog licensing through an easy-to-use website while providing added protection if a pet becomes lost. Every dog license includes a DocuPet ID tag and access to HomeSafe®, a 24/7 lost-pet recovery service designed to help reunite pets with their families quickly. The license will be good for 365 days from the purchase date.

Learn how to create a DocuPet account and license your dog by following the step-by-step guides below.

Have Your Dog’s Information Ready

Be sure to have the following before you start:

Your dog’s license tag number
Your dog’s birth date
Documentation that shows your dog is vaccinated against rabies
The date of your female dog’s spay surgery or male dog’s neuter surgery, if your dog was fixed
If your dog is microchipped, the ID number
A recent photo of your dog

Create an Account With DocuPet

Before licensing your dog, you will need to create a DocuPet account by following the steps below.

Step 1

Visit https://oaklandmich.docupet.com/en_US/ and click on the button that reads “License My Pet.”

A woman sitting at a table with a golden retriever dog next to her, both looking relaxed, in a cozy indoor setting with modern decor.

Step 2

Choose if you have previously licensed your dog in Oakland County. For new dog owners or those who have not licensed a dog in Oakland County, skip to Step 3.

Screenshot of the DocuPet website featuring options for pet licensing in Oakland County, MI, with a prompt asking whether users have licensed a pet before.

Step 2.5

Search for your dog’s records using their tag number or an access code, if you received one via mail, phone, or email.

Screenshot of the DocuPet license record access page for Oakland County, MI, featuring fields for tag number, pet name, zip code, and phone number.

Step 3

Create a DocuPet account with your first and last name, email address, and a password.

A registration page for DocuPet, featuring a form to create a secure licensing account, accompanied by a collage of various pet images, including dogs and cats.

Step 4

Add your dog’s name, breed, sex, date of birth or age, and coloring.

A registration form for pet owners on the DocuPet website, featuring questions about the type of pet, name, breed, sex, date of birth, and color options, alongside a collage of various pet images.

Step 5

Upload a photo or multiple photos of your dog. Make sure your photos capture your dog’s size and distinct markings.

Step 5.5

Add any more dogs that you may have and repeat steps 4 and 5.

Confirmation message for pet information submission, featuring a selection of dog images in the background.

Step 6

Add your home address and phone number.

Screenshot of a DocuPet registration page, showcasing sections for address input, community selection, and phone number entry, along with images of various dogs in the background.

License Your Dog on DocuPet

After creating your account and adding your and your dog’s personal information, you can license your dog via DocuPet.

Step 1

Select “License now!”

Step 2

Confirm your address, phone number and birth date, which may make you eligible for the senior discount.

A web form for editing contact details on the DocuPet platform, including fields for address, phone number, and date of birth.

Step 3

Confirm if your dog was spayed/neutered. Verify if they were microchipped and include the microchip number if available. Add the expiration date of your dog’s rabies vaccine.

Screenshot of the DocuPet online form for editing pet details, displaying fields for pet name, spay status, microchip status, and rabies vaccination expiration date.

Step 4

Upload documents of your dog’s spay/neuter and rabies vaccination. The document is provided by a veterinarian and includes the veterinarian’s name, the clinic/hospital’s name, address, and phone number. The files must be JPG, BMP, PNG, TIF, HEIC, WEBP, or PDF and less than 8MB. Rabies certificates must include:

Your name
Your dog’s name and breed
The rabies vaccine is listed as the vaccination given
The rabies vaccination expiration date
The vaccine manufacturer
The vaccine lot number
The date that the vaccine was given

Your uploaded documents will be reviewed by the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center.

Pet license information page for Fido, including details on neutering, microchipping, and rabies vaccination requirements.

Step 5

If your dog’s vaccine expires next year, select the 1-year license. If your dog’s vaccine expires in three years, select the 3-year license. Be aware that licenses for dogs that are not spayed or neutered are more expensive. For more information on the current license fee structure, visit oakgov.com/doglicense.

Step 6

Choose from a variety of designer license tags or the standard tag. Designer tags have a variety of different costs depending on the style. Standard tags are free. Both tags can be personalized for an additional fee.

Homepage of DocuPet displaying options to select a pet tag for Fido, featuring tags and a search bar.

Step 7

Pay for your license and tag.

Screenshot of an online shopping cart showcasing an order for a pet tag, including options for tag color, size, personalization, and additional items. The basket summary displays total cost, itemized fees, and estimated shipping details.

Additional Peace of Mind

In your DocuPet account, you can add more details about your dog, like personality traits and medical conditions, which can lead to faster reunification if your dog becomes lost.

User dashboard for a pet management system showing details about a pet named Fido, an Alaskan Husky. The interface includes options for tracking, licensing, and managing pet tags. It displays information such as Fido's birthday, breed, and status as spayed/neutered, alongside buttons for actions like reporting a lost pet.

Screenshot of a pet care and medical details form for a pet named Fido, including sections for pet care information and medical records.

Dog owners can also elect a “Pet Guardian,” which can be a family member, dog sitter, or anyone else who looks after your dog. If your dog runs away and is found, your “Pet Guardian” can be contacted if you cannot be.

Screenshot of a web page titled 'Add a Pet Guardian' with fields for entering first name, last name, relationship, email address, mobile phone number, and address details, including an option to indicate if the pet guardian shares the same address.

For any questions or help with your account on DocuPet, visit https://oaklandmich.docupet.com/en_US/ or call 877-239-6072. For questions about ordering a license or licensing laws in Oakland County, visit Oakland County Animal Control & Pet Adoption Center’s website or call 248-452-9890.

Stay connected with the Oakland County Animal Control & Pet Adoption Center on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and visit their website for additional pet information and services.

Follow along with Oakland County on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, X, and YouTube using #OaklandCounty, or visit our website for news and events year-round.

Pet Care

Caring for pets requires attention to their health and well-being. Key areas include routine veterinary care, dental hygiene, proper nutrition, regular exercise, and understanding behavior. Community resources,…

Keep reading