As of November 1, 2002, a City animal license is required for all dogs and cats within the city limits.

Animal license fees for the City of Newport News are as follows:

The license is valid for one (1) year (February 1 through January 31). Animal licenses are purchased annually and expire January 31 of each year.

The deadline for purchasing an animal license is January 31 of each year.

A license is required when the puppy or kitten becomes four (4) months old.

A valid veterinarian certificate showing the expiration date of the rabies shot is needed.

A household may have four (4) domesticated animals (dogs or cats or combinations thereof). If you have five (5) or more domesticated animals, you must contact the Department of Codes and Compliance for permission before obtaining the animal licenses for your animals. More than fifty (50) domesticated animals cannot be kept within the City limits.

A dangerous animal license must be obtained if the animal has bitten, attacked or inflicted injury upon a person or companion animal and the courts have declared it a dangerous animal. The license fee is $50.00 per year.

A vicious animal is an animal that has been declared vicious by the courts. Vicious animals are not allowed within the City limits.

The cost is $1.00.

Yes. The fine for "Failure to Obtain a License" and "Failure to Display a License" is determined by the Court. An additional court cost may be applicable.

There is no charge for a dog which is trained to and serves as a guide dog or aid dog for a blind or otherwise handicapped person.

An animal license may be purchased at:

• Treasurer's Office - 2400 Washington Avenue (Downtown)
• Treasurer's Office - 12912 Jefferson Avenue (Denbigh)

Print the PDF version of the Animal License Request Form and fill out the information. Mail the form, a valid rabies certificate from your veterinarian, and the appropriate fee to: