Licensing

All dogs, cats and rabbits residing within Las Cruces city limits are required to have a city license, and the license must be renewed yearly. In order to issue a license, customers must bring in proof of current Rabies vaccinations for their pet(s), as well as documentation from the customer’s veterinarian stating that the animal is altered (spayed/neutered) if applying for an Altered or Senior license, or proof of pedigree of applying for a Registered license.

The fees for licensing are as follows:

Altered (Spayed/Neutered) : $5 per year
Unaltered (Not Spayed/Neutered) : $25 per year
Registered (For Unaltered Purebred Dogs/Cats, Must Provide Proof) : $10 per year
Senior (Must Provide Proof, Pet Must Be Altered) : $10, one time fee

For all license types, customers must show proof of current Rabies vaccination to renew.

All license types can be issued for up to 3 years at a time, providing the pet has received a 3 year Rabies vaccination. The cost per year remains the same (i.e., a 3 year Altered Dog/Cat license would be $15).

Customers must come to the shelter in person to be issued a city license. Renewals may be done by mail.