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.”
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.
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.
Step 3
Create a DocuPet account with your first and last name, email address, and a password.
Step 4
Add your dog’s name, breed, sex, date of birth or age, and coloring.
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.
Step 6
Add your home address and phone number.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Step 7
Pay for your license and tag.
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.
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.
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