Pet Licensing

Due to COVID, the Animal Shelter is attempting to provide virtual services to the greatest extent possible. You may now license your pet online by visiting DocuPet. Please ID because it is the best way to reunite your family. Show you care, follow the law, and display your love by licensing and identifying your pets.

Lincoln County requires that all dogs must hold a valid license pursuant to ORS 609.100. Cat licenses are optional but encouraged as they help us return your pet in case your feline friend becomes lost. Licenses may be purchased through our official licensing partner, DocuPet.

In addition to your pet's official license, DocuPet also provides:

• Full access to the HomeSafe™ 24/7 lost pet service;
• A selection of over 170 designer tag options that double as your pet's official license;
• An option to personalize your license with your contact information;
• A central dashboard for your pet's medical records and information;
• The ability to donate directly to the Animal Shelter while purchasing your license;
• A quick and easy online solution for purchasing and renewing your pet's license.

All dogs in Lincoln County must be licensed at:

• 6 months of age, or
• When they have permanent canine teeth, or
• Within 30 days of acquisition, or
• Within 30 days after new residents move into Lincoln County.

A rabies certificate is required and is a prerequisite for a license. You may purchase a one-year, two-year, or three-year license, up to the date of the rabies vaccination expiration.

How to Purchase a License

1. Online: Create your secure profile at Lincoln County DocuPet..
2. By Phone: if you have any questions about licensing or need a hand setting up your online account, you may reach a helpful customer service representative at 877-239-6072. DocuPet's customer service hours are 6 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday.
3. By Mail: Download and complete the application form. Please include a copy of your pet's rabies vaccination certificate and mail the form to:
   DocuPet
   235 Harrison Street
   Syracuse, NY 13202
4. At the Shelter: We also welcome you to come by the Animal Shelter at 510 NE Harney Street in Newport.

Why Licensing Is Important

• DocuPet provides 24/7 online license look-up allowing finders and the Animal Shelter to get pets back home right away. When your pet is wearing their license, it provides you peace of mind, and leaves space at the shelter for another animal in need.
• For cats, designer pet tags can let finders know if a cat should be indoors and is lost, or if they are ok being out and about;
• License fees support shelter programs and operations which provides approximately 1,300 animals with food, veterinary care, safe shelter, training, behavior enrichment, foster and adoption services each year. Furthermore, DocuPet donates 20% of every designer tag purchase to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter.
• License fees support field services and investigations to address loose pets, aggressive dogs, and bite reports.
• License fees allow Animal Services to investigate, seize, and care for animals who are victims of cruelty and neglect.
• Fees support our pet retention programs, including distribution of over 1,000 pounds of pet food each month, to help people keep pets in their homes.
• All licenses come equipped with DocuPet's HomeSafe 24/7 lost pet service. This means residents can file instant reports online, or contact a dedicated hotline to report lost and found pets. You can also opt into the Lost Pet Brigade to be alerted if a lost pet has been reported in your neighborhood to help them find their way home.
• Last year, our redemption rate was over 90% for dogs who entered the shelter, well above the national average, but only 4% for cats. Our goal is to reunite all lost pets with their families.
• If your animal is found injured and wearing their license, it is much easier for us to obtain emergency medical attention for him or her and contact you with the details.
• Identification is critically important for your pet in the event of a manmade or natural disaster when many are separated from their families and transported to many locations.
• You can avoid potential fines. If your dog is brought to the shelter and is current on their license and altered, then the first $30 impound fee is waived (but if they are impounded again, the second impound fee must be paid). Failure to obtain a dog license may result in a $242 citation.
• License fees are an important way the community supports our policy of not euthanizing for space and finding new homes to as many animals as possible.

Microchips & ID Tags

You may make an appointment to have your pet microchipped at the Animal Shelter. For $20, your pet will be chipped and recieve lifelong registration through PetLink. You may also purchase personalized ID tags for $5.