Michigan Law requires all dogs 4 months and older to be licensed. Also, all newly acquired dogs must be licensed within 30 days. As of October 1, 2011, the due date for purchasing your Muskegon County dog license is now linked with the month of your dog's rabies vaccination. In addition, three year dog licenses are now available.

When does my 2011 dog license expire?

• Your 2011 Muskegon County dog license will automatically be extended to expire in 2012 in the MONTH of the dog's rabies vaccination.
• If you do not purchase your dog license in the MONTH of the rabies vaccination it will be considered late, and a late fee will be added to the price of the license.
• If your dog's rabies vaccination is in January or February, your 2011 Muskegon County dog license will expire March 1, 2012.

Which license can I buy?

• If your dog's rabies vaccination expires in 2012, 2013 or 2014, then you are eligible to purchase a one year license with proof of a valid rabies vaccination.
• If your dog's rabies vaccination expires in 2015, then you are eligible to purchase a one or three year license with proof of a valid rabies vaccination.

What are the dog license fees?

*You must provide your birth date on the application to qualify for this discount.

**The puppy license must be purchased on time, or late fees also apply.

***A license is considered late if not purchased in the same MONTH that the rabies expires. The late fee is the dog license fee plus $5 for the first month late and $10 per month for each additional month late.    

How do I apply for a dog license?

1. Fill out and print the application.
2. Provide a copy of the current rabies certificate from a veterinarian.
3. Provide a copy of the spay/neuter certificate, if applicable.
4. Include a check or money order made out to Public Health - Muskegon County (PHMC).

If applying in person

Bring all of the above to the public health department at 209 E Apple Ave in Muskegon.

Hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00-11:00 am and 12:00-5:00 pm.

When applying in person, you also have the option to pay with cash. Please be aware that credit and debit cards are not accepted at the public health department.

(See below for a list of municipal offices that are selling licenses.)  

   

If applying by mail

Send all of the above along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope (postage is 64¢ for one tag, plus 20¢ for each additional tag) to:

  

Public Health Muskegon County

Attn: Vector Control

209 E Apple Ave

Muskegon, MI 49442

   

Please Note: Muskegon County dog licenses are available through the public health department and at the following municipal offices.

City of Montague

City of North Muskegon

City of Norton Shores

City of Roosevelt Park

City of Whitehall

Blue Lake Township

Casnovia Township

Cedar Creek Township

Dalton Township

Egelston Township

Fruitland Township

Fruitport Township

Holton Township

Laketon Township

Montague Township

Moorland Township

Muskegon Charter Township

Sullivan Township

Whitehall Township

Is the dog tag the license?

• No. The metal dog tag is used to identify your dog. It is not the license.
• The license is the paperwork you receive after completing the application.
• You should save the paper license until it expires.

How do I get a replacement dog tag?

• If you lose the dog tag (or the paper license), you can get a replacement at no charge.
• You will need to request the replacement in person through the Vector Control program at the public health department (209 E Apple in Muskegon).
• Hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00-11:00 and 12:00-5:00 pm.

What if I no longer have the dog?

If you no longer have your dog, please call (231) 724-6007. Let us know if your dog is deceased, sold, given away, stolen or missing, or if you have moved out of the county. This will prevent us from sending delinquent notices for a dog you no longer have or that has a license elsewhere.

What else should dog owners know?

Responsible dog owners:

• License - License your dog and renew the license when it expires.
• Leash - Control your dog with a leash, not more than 6 feet long, when in public places.
• Vaccinate - Keep your dog's vaccinations, especially rabies, up-to-date.
• Don't Litter - Clean up after your dog and properly dispose of pet waste.
• Prevent Bites - Avoid situations that may result in your dog biting someone. If a dog bite does occur, report it to the public health department by calling (231) 724-1204.
• Spay/Neuter - Spay/neuter your dog to control the over-population of unwanted animals.

Helpful Links

Animal Control Laws

Resolution Setting Dog License Application Date

Muskegon County Animal Control Ordinance

Muskegon County Vector Control Regulations

Other Useful Information

Vector (Animal) Control Program

Animal Bite Investigation

Rabies

Rabies Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

Dog Impounds & Identification

Animal Abuse or Neglect Investigation

Dog Adoptions

For more information, email vectorcontrol@co.muskegon.mi.us or call (231) 724-6007.