Animal Tags

All dogs and cats over six (6) months old inside the city limits must be registered. Registrations can be obtained through the Revenue Department.

The applicant will need to provide:

1. The name, breed, color, age, gender and other identifying characteristics of the dog or cat.
2. The name, address, and telephone number of the owner, person in charge, and/or residence of the dog or cat.
3. Valid proof that the dog or cat has been inoculated against rabies in accordance with state and local law.
4. Proof of sterilization by letter or certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian and identifying the animal by name.
5. Completed Animal License Application.

Cost

The lifetime license is only issued for a dog or cat that has been spayed or neutered.

Exceptions

• Age of pet or other legitimate heath reasons. This requires a letter from a licensed veterinarian. (Annual License Unaltered at $5.)
• Proof of owner income. (Lifetime License for altered dog or cat is FREE.)
  • Annual income of no more than $35,000
  • Recipient of Medicaid, Social Security Disability or SNAP
• Lifetime may be issued to an unaltered animal that meets the following: (proof required in all cases)
  • Incapable or medically unable to undergo procedure for health reasons
  • ALEA trained and in use, undergoing training by a recognized law enforcement agency, retired from use by ALEA for that purpose, or used by a search and rescue team for search and rescue purposes
  • Registered with the AKC or similar registry, actively used to exhibit or compete, and has competed in at least one competition or exhibition within the last year
  • A service animal as defined by Alabama Code 21-7-4 (1975)
  • Animals under the care of a State registered 501(c)3 Rescue Organization with a valid City of Gadsden Business License.

Renewal

The annual license shall be effective for 365 days from the date of issuance and must be renewed each year before its expiration during the lifetime of the dog or cat.

Late fees may be assessed for late renewals.

Commercial Breeder Permit and Business License

If any person owns or maintains an unsterilized dog or cat for commercial breeding, he or she may do so by obtaining a special Commercial Breeder permit from the City in addition to their regular business license. The City may require an on-site inspection prior to the issuance of a commercial breeder permit.

This permit shall be renewed annually on the same timeline as regular business licenses are due.

The applicant will need to provide:

1. The name, breed, color, age, gender and other identifying characteristics of the dog or cat.
2. The name, address, and telephone number of the owner, person in charge, and/or residence of the dog or cat.
3. Valid proof that the dog or cat has been inoculated against rabies in accordance with state and local law.
4. Completed Animal License Application
5. Completed Business License Application

Penalties

If a dog or cat is determined to be at large, or is otherwise captured or discovered by the city’s officers responsible for animal control, and the dog or cat is unlicensed or its license is expired by more than thirty (30) days, the owner(s) of said dog or cat shall be subject to a fine of $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and $300 for the third offense.

Additionally, if said dog or cat appears to be of at least six months of age and is not sexually sterilized (i.e., spayed or neutered) and is not appropriately licensed, the animal’s owner(s) shall be subject to a fine of $500.

Questions?

Contact the City of Gadsden's Revenue Department at (256) 549-4721.