City of Santa Fe pet licensing
Frequently asked questions
LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS
When does my pet's temporary license expire?
Temporary licenses expire after 60 days. To convert a temporary license into a full license you must provide new proof of rabies vaccination prior to the temporary license expiration date. With the provision of a rabies expiration date in the future, your pet's license will be extended to the full term originally selected.
How old does my pet need to be for me to license them?
All pets over the age of 3 months are required to be licensed.
When can I renew my pet's license?
You may renew your pet's license within 60 days of your pet's current license expiration date. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new license will start the day after expiration, not on the date of purchase.
Where can I license in person?
You may license in person with the City of Santa Fe City Hall located at 200 Lincoln Ave, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501.
ACCOUNT UPDATES
How do I notify DocuPet that my pet has passed away?
We're sorry for your loss. You can update a pet's profile via your online account by editing your pet's profile and selecting 'Remove this Pet'.
My pet is no longer with me, but I’m still receiving renewal reminders?
We’re sorry! Unfortunately, unless you update your account to reflect that a pet is no longer in your care, we have no way of knowing. Have you already told us? You may have a duplicate account. Get in touch with your licensing organization or our DocuPet customer service team to update your record.
Does my license transfer if I am moving?
If you are moving, please be sure to update your address by logging into your online account and navigating to your Profile Settings page. Even though you are moving, you’ll still be able to keep your pet's tag and access your pet's online account. However, your current license may not be valid in the new community you are moving to. Please get in touch with the pet licensing provider in the new community you are moving to in order to find out more information.
FEES AND FINES
My pet is altered, why is the system showing the unaltered license fee?
Until we receive proof of sterilization, the system defaults to the unaltered license fee. Once you upload the required documentation, your pet’s sterilization status will be updated and the correct fee will be applied. If you need more time to locate the paperwork, a 60 day temporary license at the altered rate can be issued to give you extra time to upload the document.
What is the processing fee?
A processing fee of $2.00 per license product applies to all online orders.
My pet qualifies for the service animal rate. What do I do?
Please visit the City of Santa Fe City Hall in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. Once the team there verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.
TAGS
Will my pet receive a new free tag with every order?
No, each pet will only receive one free tag with their first license via DocuPet. This tag doesn’t expire. If you’ve already received a DocuPet tag, your furry friend is good to go! If you’d like a new tag, you can purchase a standard replacement tag or a new designer tag during the license order process or in our store.
CITY INFORMATION AND CITY ORDINANCES
What species are required to be licensed?
The following species are required to be licensed: Dogs and Cats.
DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
Can I still license my pet if I don’t have the required documentation?
Yes! A temporary license can be issued while you gather your documents. Just follow one of the licensing methods listed above to get started. Please note that proof must be submitted before the temporary license expires, otherwise a new license will need to be purchased.
Where can I obtain a copy of my pet’s rabies or spay/neuter document?
If you can’t locate the document you received after the procedure was done, you will need to contact your vet to obtain your pet's records. Be sure to specify any and all pets you require documentation for.
Once you’ve got the paperwork in your hands, take a look to ensure:
- The document provided is the right type of proof required.
- Pet and pet owner account data matches your own.
- The document is clear and legible.
What documentation is required to purchase a license?
A valid rabies proof is required to purchase a pet license. A 60 day temporary license may be issued if you do not have rabies proof at the time of licensing. Proof of spay/neuter is required to receive the discounted altered rates.

