Licensing
Rhode Island state law requires that all dogs over the age of four months be vaccinated against rabies, and be licensed through the local city and town. Failure to license your pet may result in fines, penalties and/or citations. The City employs enforcement officers to ensure licensing compliance.
Licensing is also an important means of identification and can help you find your pet if it becomes lost. License revenues are a vital means of support to help the City promote and protect human and animal safety.
How to Obtain a License
Ensure that your dog is currently vaccinated against rabies. Dog owners are required by law to have their dogs vaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian and licensed:
a) By the time the dog is four months of age, or
b) Within 30 days after obtaining or bringing any dog over four months of age into the city of Providence and,
c) Dog owners are required to renew the dog license before it expires
d) The licensing year is April to April, as required under RI Law
The rabies vaccination must be effective through the entire licensing period. The primary or first rabies vaccination is valid for one year. The second rabies vaccination given one-year later, and subsequent (or booster) rabies vaccinations are valid for three years. If you are unsure of the duration of your dog's vaccination, please call your veterinarian or Animal Control at (401)243-6040.
After vaccinating a dog against rabies, the veterinarian will present the dog owner with a Dog License Application & Rabies Certificate.
To purchase an animal license, you may bring in person or mail to: Providence Animal Control | 200 Terminal Road Providence RI, 02905, the following requirements:
1. A completed application for animal license
2. $5 check or money order
3. Proof of rabies vaccination
***Please note: Pit bulls require proof of liability insurance and an annual $20.00 registration fee.
If you are sending an application by mail, please also include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Pet licenses are valid for one year. Existing licenses may be renewed by submitting a renewal by mail. If your pet's license becomes lost, you may purchase a duplicate tag by submitting a check for $5 to our licensing office.
For further information please contact Animal Control at 401-243-6040.
Download an Application for a Dog License here.