Dog License in Georgia: Cost, Requirements, Renewal & Official County Information

If you own a dog in Georgia, you may need a local dog license, pet registration, or rabies tag, depending on the county where you live.

Unlike states with one statewide dog-license system, Georgia handles many dog-registration and rabies-tag requirements at the county and local level. Georgia’s official rabies-control guidance states that license and rabies-tag requirements are county-based, while county boards of health have primary responsibility for rabies control.

This means the price, registration deadline, renewal process, and online options can be different in Atlanta/Fulton County, DeKalb County, Chatham County, and other parts of Georgia.

The basic process is usually:

Rabies vaccination → local registration or rabies tag → keep the tag current → renew according to local rules

This guide explains how dog licensing works in Georgia, how much it can cost, what documents you need, how to register and renew, and where to find official county information.

Is a Dog License Required in Georgia?

There is no single statewide dog-license fee or universal Georgia dog-license portal.

Instead, Georgia’s rabies and animal-control system is administered heavily at the county level. The Georgia Rabies Control Manual states that licenses/rabies-tag requirements are county-based and advises residents to contact their county for specific requirements.

Some counties explicitly require dogs and cats to be registered and licensed.

For example:

Fulton County requires pet owners to license dogs and cats.
DeKalb County requires registration and licensing of dogs, cats, and ferrets.
Chatham County operates an annual rabies-tag system for dogs and cats.
Other Georgia counties may use different registration or rabies-tag procedures.

Because of this local structure, your county animal services or county government website is the correct place to verify the exact requirement.

Georgia Dog License vs. Rabies Vaccination

A dog license or rabies tag and the rabies vaccination are related, but they are not exactly the same thing.

The rabies vaccination is provided by a licensed veterinarian and is the basis for many county registration systems.

The license or rabies tag is the local registration component that helps identify the animal and demonstrate compliance with local requirements.

Georgia’s Department of Agriculture requires dogs and cats entering Georgia to have proof of a current and approved rabies vaccination.

Georgia’s official rabies-control materials also explain that rabies-tag requirements are administered locally and that the rabies vaccination certificate—not simply the physical tag—is the documentation used to verify vaccination status.

Why the Rabies Tag Matters

A current rabies or pet-registration tag can help animal-control officials identify a dog and contact its owner.

This is particularly useful if a dog gets lost.

Georgia counties may maintain different systems for issuing and recording tags, so the exact procedure depends on where you live.

How Much Does a Dog License Cost in Georgia?

There is no single statewide Georgia dog-license price.

County fees can vary depending on:

Registration period
Whether the pet is spayed or neutered
Whether the dog has a one-year or three-year rabies vaccination
Local animal-control rules
Late registration
Replacement tags
Dangerous or vicious dog classification

For example, Fulton and DeKalb counties both currently charge $10 for a one-year license for a spayed/neutered pet and $25 for an unaltered pet, while Chatham County charges $5 for a one-year rabies tag or $15 for a three-year tag.

Georgia Dog License Fees by Major Jurisdiction

Georgia jurisdiction	Registration period / pet type	Current fee
Fulton County	1-year spayed/neutered	$10
Fulton County	1-year unaltered	$25
Fulton County	3-year spayed/neutered	$25
Fulton County	3-year unaltered	$60
DeKalb County	1-year spayed/neutered	$10
DeKalb County	1-year unaltered	$25
DeKalb County	3-year spayed/neutered	$25
DeKalb County	3-year unaltered	$60
Chatham County	1-year rabies tag	$5
Chatham County	3-year rabies tag	$15

These are examples from official county sources and are not statewide Georgia fees. Always verify your county’s current requirements before paying.

Fulton County Dog License

Fulton County requires pet owners to license their dogs and cats. The county states that owners who do not comply may receive a citation.

This applies across Fulton County, including residents in the Atlanta area who fall under the county’s animal-registration system.

Fulton County Dog License Fees

Pet status	1-year	3-year
Spayed/neutered	$10	$25
Not spayed/neutered	$25	$60

The three-year registration requires a 3-year rabies vaccination.

Fulton County also charges a $10 late fee when a license is more than 60 days overdue.

How to Register a Dog in Fulton County

Fulton County provides several registration options.

You can register:

Online through PetData
By mail
In person at Fulton County Animal Services

For mail registration, the county requires the completed pet-registration form, the applicable fee, and a copy of the pet’s rabies vaccination certificate.

Fulton County Animal Services is located at:

1251 Fulton Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30336

DeKalb County Dog License

DeKalb County requires registration and licensing for dogs, cats, and ferrets.

The county explains that registration helps confirm rabies compliance, supports animal-control enforcement, and helps reunite lost pets with their owners.

DeKalb County Dog License Fees

Pet status	1-year	3-year
Spayed/neutered	$10	$25
Unaltered	$25	$60

The three-year registration requires a three-year rabies vaccination.

DeKalb County charges a $10 late fee when the license is more than 60 days overdue. Registration of a classified dangerous or vicious animal is currently listed at $250.

How to Register a Dog in DeKalb County

DeKalb County allows registration:

Online
By mail
In person

The county requires proof of current rabies vaccination for registration and renewal.

The Animal Services facility is located at:

3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., Chamblee, GA 30341

Chatham County Dog License

Chatham County, including Savannah, operates an annual rabies-tag system for dogs and cats.

The county states that dogs and cats reaching 4 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies, and owners must obtain the appropriate license/tag within 30 days of each annual rabies inoculation.

Chatham County Dog License Fees

Registration type	Current fee
1-year tag	$5
3-year tag	$15

Chatham County requires dogs and cats to wear the county rabies tag.

How to Register in Chatham County

Chatham County currently processes pet registrations primarily by mail.

Owners should submit:

Rabies certificate
Appropriate payment
Registration information

The county says mailed registrations should be sent to:

Chatham County Animal Services
P.O. Box 9522
Savannah, GA 31412

The county states that mailed tags generally take 10–14 days to arrive.

Georgia Rabies Vaccination Requirements

Rabies vaccination is an important part of Georgia’s dog-registration system.

Georgia’s Department of Agriculture requires dogs and cats entering the state to have proof of a current and approved rabies vaccination.

Georgia’s rabies-control system is primarily managed through county boards of health. The state’s rabies-control rules state that each county board of health has primary responsibility for rabies control within its jurisdiction.

The exact vaccination age and renewal schedule can depend on the applicable veterinary and local rabies-control requirements.

For example, Chatham County requires dogs and cats to be vaccinated beginning at 4 months of age, while Augusta’s current animal-services information states that dogs, cats, and ferrets are required to be vaccinated at 3 months of age under its local requirements.

This is another reason Georgia dog owners should check their own county rather than relying on a rule from another part of the state.

Do You Need a Dog License If Your Dog Is Microchipped?

A microchip does not automatically replace a local dog license or rabies tag.

A microchip provides permanent electronic identification, while a local registration or rabies tag provides visible identification and may demonstrate compliance with county requirements.

For example, Gwinnett County notes that microchips and identification tags can help reunite lost pets with their owners.

For the safest approach, keep your dog:

Microchipped
Current on rabies vaccination
Properly registered with your county
Wearing its current tag

How to Get a Dog License in Georgia

Because Georgia uses county-based requirements, the first step is identifying your local county.

Step 1: Find Your County

Determine the Georgia county where your dog lives.

Do not assume that the registration requirements in Atlanta, Savannah, or another major city apply throughout Georgia.

Step 2: Check the County Animal Services Website

Look for terms such as:

Pet registration
Dog license
Rabies tag
Animal licensing
Pet license

Georgia’s official rabies-control guidance specifically recommends contacting your county for license and rabies-tag requirements.

Step 3: Get Your Dog’s Rabies Vaccination

Take your dog to a licensed veterinarian and make sure the rabies vaccination is current.

Keep the vaccination certificate.

Step 4: Gather Your Information

Depending on your county, you may need:

Owner name
Home address
Phone number
Email address
Dog’s name
Dog’s breed
Dog’s age
Dog’s sex
Spay/neuter status
Rabies vaccination information
Microchip number, if available

Step 5: Pay the Local Registration Fee

Pay the fee established by your county.

Some counties offer one-year and three-year options.

Step 6: Receive the Tag

Depending on the county, the tag may be issued by:

Your veterinarian
County animal services
Mail
An online licensing provider
An approved local registration location

Step 7: Keep the Tag Current

Attach the current tag to your dog’s collar according to your county’s requirements.

Can You Register Your Dog Online in Georgia?

Sometimes.

Georgia does not have one statewide online dog-license portal.

Online registration depends on your county.

For example:

Fulton County provides online registration through PetData.
DeKalb County provides online registration and renewal.
Chatham County currently handles registrations primarily by mail, with in-person assistance available.

Therefore, search for the official animal-services page for your county before using an online licensing website.

How to Renew a Dog License in Georgia

Renewal schedules vary by county.

Some Georgia counties connect the registration period to the dog’s rabies vaccination, while others use their own local deadlines.

For example:

Fulton County offers one-year and three-year licenses.
DeKalb County offers one-year and three-year registrations.
Chatham County requires renewal based on its rabies-tag schedule.

Before renewal:

Check your dog’s rabies expiration date.
Confirm your county’s renewal deadline.
Obtain a new rabies certificate if vaccination is due.
Update your owner information.
Pay the current registration fee.
Replace the old tag if required.

What Happens If You Miss the Registration Deadline?

The consequences depend on the county.

For example, Fulton County charges a $10 late fee when the license is more than 60 days overdue. DeKalb County has the same $10 late-fee rule for licenses more than 60 days overdue.

Other Georgia counties may use different penalties.

Do not assume that another county’s late-fee rule applies to you.

What If You Lose Your Dog’s Rabies or License Tag?

Contact the agency that issued the tag.

The replacement process and fee depend on the county.

When requesting a replacement, keep your dog’s rabies certificate available because it can help the issuing agency verify the current vaccination and registration record.

If your dog is microchipped, also make sure the microchip registration contains your current phone number and address.

What If You Move to Another Georgia County?

Moving to another county can affect your dog’s registration requirements.

Georgia’s rabies-tag system is county-based, so you should contact the new county’s animal-services or licensing office after moving.

After moving:

Keep your current rabies certificate.
Keep your existing tag until you confirm the new requirements.
Contact the new county.
Update your owner address.
Ask whether a new local registration or tag is required.

Do not assume that the same registration process applies statewide.

What If You Move to Georgia From Another State?

Dogs entering Georgia must have proof of a current and approved rabies vaccination. The Georgia Department of Agriculture specifically states this requirement for dogs and cats entering the state.

If you are moving into Georgia with your dog:

Obtain your dog’s current rabies certificate.
Confirm the dog’s vaccination status.
Find your Georgia county.
Check the county’s dog-license or rabies-tag rules.
Register the dog if required.
Keep the new tag and vaccination records together.

Georgia’s Department of Agriculture also states that there is no exemption from the rabies-vaccine requirement for pets entering Georgia.

Georgia Dog License and Service Animals

Service and assistance dogs can be subject to different local rules, but owners should not assume that a service dog is automatically exempt from rabies vaccination or every local registration requirement.

The exact treatment depends on the applicable county ordinance and registration system.

If you have a service or assistance dog, check the official county animal-services office before assuming a license or rabies-tag fee is waived.

Dangerous or Vicious Dogs in Georgia

Some Georgia counties have additional registration requirements and fees for dogs classified as dangerous or vicious.

For example, DeKalb County currently lists $250 for registration of a classified dangerous or vicious animal.

These requirements are separate from ordinary pet registration.

If your dog has been officially classified as dangerous or vicious, check your county’s animal-control rules for:

Special registration
Fees
Identification requirements
Confinement rules
Insurance requirements
Handling requirements
Renewal requirements

What Happens If Your Dog Is Lost?

A current tag and microchip can make it easier to reunite a lost dog with its owner.

Gwinnett County specifically notes that animals with microchips or identification tags can be connected with their owners when they enter the county animal-welfare center.

For better protection, keep your dog’s:

Rabies vaccination current
Local registration current
Tag attached to the collar
Microchip information updated
Owner contact information current

Georgia Dog License Checklist

Before registering or renewing your dog’s license or rabies tag, make sure you have:

Current rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination certificate
Correct Georgia county
Owner name and address
Dog’s name and identifying information
Spay/neuter information
Microchip information, if available
Correct local registration fee
Current registration or rabies tag
Updated phone number and email
County-specific renewal deadline

Common Georgia Dog License Mistakes

Assuming Georgia Has One Statewide Dog License

Georgia does not have one universal dog-license fee or statewide pet-registration portal.

Requirements are largely county-based.

Confusing a Rabies Vaccine With a License

A current rabies vaccination does not necessarily mean that you have completed your county’s registration or rabies-tag requirement.

Using Another County’s Rules

A fee or deadline in Fulton County may not apply in Chatham, DeKalb, or another Georgia county.

Always check your own county.

Assuming a Microchip Replaces the Tag

A microchip is excellent permanent identification, but it does not automatically eliminate local registration or rabies-tag requirements.

Forgetting to Update Your Address

If you move, update your registration and microchip information so animal-control officials can reach you if your dog is found.

Waiting Until the Rabies Certificate Expires

Registration often depends on current rabies vaccination information. Renew before the vaccination or local registration becomes overdue.

Final Takeaway

Getting a dog license in Georgia is primarily a county-level process connected closely to rabies control.

The basic process is:

Check your county → get current rabies vaccination → register your dog if required → receive the local tag → renew on time

There is no single statewide Georgia dog-license price or universal online portal. Georgia’s official rabies-control guidance specifically identifies license and rabies-tag requirements as county-based.

For example, Fulton and DeKalb counties currently offer one-year and three-year pet registrations, while Chatham County uses a one-year or three-year rabies-tag system.

The safest approach is to use the official animal-services or county government website for the county where your dog lives.

Whether you live in Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Athens, or another Georgia community, your local county is the best source for the exact fee, deadline, registration method, and tag requirements.

Official Georgia References

The primary sources for Georgia dog licensing and rabies requirements include the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia Department of Public Health, Georgia rabies-control regulations, and official county animal-services agencies.

FAQs

1. Is a dog license required in Georgia?

Georgia has county-based dog-license and rabies-tag requirements. Check your county because there is no single statewide licensing system.

2. How much does a dog license cost in Georgia?

There is no statewide fee. Current examples range from $5 to $60 depending on county, registration period, and pet status.

3. At what age does a dog need a rabies vaccine in Georgia?

The applicable age can vary locally. Many Georgia jurisdictions require vaccination around 3–4 months, so check your county.

4. Can I register my dog online in Georgia?

Some counties offer online registration, including Fulton and DeKalb. Other counties may require mail, veterinary, or in-person registration.

5. Does a microchip replace a dog license in Georgia?

Not automatically. A microchip provides identification, but county registration and rabies-tag requirements may still apply.