FREE Dog Licenses Are Back!
Coming soon: Free dog licenses return November 30 through December 12, 2026.
This promotion has ended
The free dog licensing promotion ended on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 3 p.m.
Thank you to everyone who helped get more identification tags on dogs before the New Year's fireworks!
If you received a free license but have not yet submitted proof of current rabies vaccination, you must provide or upload it within 30 days of receiving your license or your license will expire.
You can obtain your dog's rabies vaccination certificate from the veterinarian who vaccinated your dog. Submit it by uploading it through your DocuPet account, emailing it to Pets@washoecounty.gov, or bring it in person to Animal Services.
Dog licensing is still available. For more information, visit our dog licensing information page or call 775-353-8900.
Free Dog Licenses Are Back!
Get your dog tagged before the fireworks! Following the success of our first free licensing promotion, Washoe County Regional Animal Services is bringing back free 1-year dog licenses to help more dogs have current identification before the New Year's holiday.
Promotion Details
- Free 1-year dog licenses for eligible dogs
- Late fees waived on free in-person licenses during the promotion
- In-person only at Animal Services
- Bring rabies proof if you have it — but you can still receive a temporary license without it
- Rabies proof due within 30 days of receiving your license, or the license will expire
A tag can help your dog get home: New Year's fireworks can frighten pets and cause them to become lost. A current license tag helps Animal Services identify your dog and contact you. Visit us in person during licensing hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., or Saturday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Your dog does not need to come with you.
Who Qualifies?
Dogs that have never been licensed, have an expired license, or are eligible for renewal within 30 days.
Where to Go
Washoe County Regional Animal Services
2825 Longley Lane, Suite A
Reno, NV 89502
Licensing hours:
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Rabies Documentation
If you have your dog's current rabies vaccination certificate, please bring it with you. Don't have it? You can still receive a temporary license. You must submit proof within 30 days of receiving your license, or it will expire. Request the certificate from the veterinarian who vaccinated your dog, then upload it through your DocuPet account or email it to Pets@washoecounty.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dog owners qualify if their dog has never been licensed, has an expired license, or is eligible for renewal within 30 days. The offer applies to eligible 1-year dog licenses.
The promotion runs from Monday, November 30, through Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 3 p.m. Free licensing is available during regular licensing hours.
Yes. To receive a free 1-year license, visit Washoe County Regional Animal Services in person during the promotional period and regular licensing hours.
No. Free licenses are available only in person. Regular online licensing options remain available outside this offer.
If you have proof of your dog's current rabies vaccination, please bring it with you to help complete the licensing process. If you don't have it, we can still issue a temporary license. You must submit proof within 30 days of receiving your license, or the license will expire. If your dog has previously been licensed, bringing previous license information may be helpful.
No. Your dog does not need to be present to receive the license.
Expired licenses qualify for the promotion, and late licensing fees will be waived during the promotional period.
Dogs that have never been licensed qualify for a free 1-year dog license, even if they have lived with you for years.
Please bring proof of current rabies vaccination if you have it, but we won't turn you away if you don't. You can still receive a temporary license during the promotion. You must provide proof within 30 days of receiving your license, or the license will expire. This promotion does not eliminate rabies vaccination requirements. If your dog's vaccination is expired, arrange to get it updated and provide the required documentation within the 30-day period.
If your dog needs a rabies vaccination, you can visit your regular veterinarian or explore affordable vaccination clinics offered throughout our community.
Clinic appointments, pricing, and availability vary. Please check directly with the provider before visiting.
Reminder: You can receive your promotional license without presenting a rabies certificate at that visit, but you must submit proof of current rabies vaccination within 30 days of receiving the license or it will expire.
Yes. Late licensing fees are waived for free licenses obtained in-person during the promotion.
No. Cats are not required to be licensed in Washoe County, and WCRAS does not issue cat licenses. This promotion is for eligible dog licenses only.
Fireworks and holiday activities can frighten pets and cause them to become lost. New Year's is a busy period for lost pets, and a current dog license tag helps Animal Services identify lost dogs and contact their owners. Our goal is to get more tags on dogs before the January 1 celebrations.
Request a copy of your dog's rabies vaccination certificate from the veterinarian who administered the vaccination. You can upload the certificate by logging into your DocuPet account, email it to Pets@washoecounty.gov , or bring it in person to Washoe County REgional Animal Services at 2825 Longley Lane, Suite A, Reno. Proof of current rabies vaccination must be received within 30 days of the date you receive the free license, or the license will expire. For questions, call Animal Services at 775-353-8900.