Dog Licensing - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. My dog’s 2004 license expires March 1^st 2005.  When must I apply for a new license for 2005?

A.  Beginning in January 2004, you need to apply during the month that your dog’s rabies vaccination expires.  Example, if the rabies vaccination expires in April of any given year then you need to apply in April 2005 for either a one- or three-year license for your dog.

Q.  Will I be in violation if I do not apply by March 1^st for a 2004 dog license?

A.  Since 2004 is a “conversion” year, the 2003 license your dog presently has will be extended to the calendar month of its current rabies expiration date even if that date is in December. 

Q.  My dog’s rabies vaccination expires in the month of January.  Do I still have until March 1^st to apply for a 2005 dog license?

A.  No, you need to apply before the end of the expiration month which would be January.

Q.  When must I apply for a new license if my dog’s rabies vaccination expires at the end of the month?

A.  If the rabies expires at the end of a month you will need to plan ahead and update the dog’s vaccination and apply for a new dog license before the end of that month to avoid a late fee.

Q.  Should I apply for a new license before the month of its expiration?

A. You may apply anytime before the last day of the expiration month without penalty.

Q.  If my dog's rabies vaccination expires early in the month do I still have until the end of the expiration month to apply for a dog license ?

A. The rabies may expire anytime in the month, even the first of the month, and you still have until the end of that month to apply for a new dog license. 

Q.  Where do I apply for a dog license?

A. You may apply by mail or in person to:  Newaygo County Treasurer, 1087 Newell, PO Box 885, White Cloud, MI  49349.   Licenses are not currently being sold by veterinarian offices or township, city or village treasurers.

Q.  What do I need to send when applying for a license?

A. You need to send a copy of your dog’s current rabies vaccination certificate that shows the rabies number and expiration date.  Also, if you wish to apply for an “unsexed” license, you will need to send proof that the dog has been spayed or neutered.

Click here for a (PDF) copy of the application you may print and mail it with the appropriate fee.

Q.  My dog only has a one year vaccination.  When may I  purchase a three-year dog license?

A. The first rabies vaccine is typically a one year dose.  You will need to purchase a one-year license the first year and next year when your dog receives another rabies vaccine, you will be eligible to purchase a three-year license providing the rabies vaccine expires in three years also.  Rabies certificates must have an expiration date which will correspond to the dog license expiration date.

Q.   I recently moved to Newaygo County and my dog is still licensed in our prior county.  Do I still need to apply with Newaygo County for a dog license?

A. Yes, your dog needs to be licensed in the county it resides in.

Q. How do I apply for a “kennel license”? 

A. Kennel licenses are applied for through Newaygo County Animal Control at 231-689-7020.  Click here for information and instructions.

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