Manhattan Beach pet licensing
Why license?
In accordance with state and local laws, pet licenses are mandatory in the City of Manhattan Beach. In fact, licenses are mandatory in nearly every community across North America. Why? Because licenses help keep pets and the communities they live in safe. DocuPet was brought on board to simplify and improve pet licensing to benefit not only pet owners like you, but the entire community. DocuPet makes it easy for the City of Manhattan Beach to deliver a successful pet licensing program with a streamlined software and management solution that makes licensing a breeze for pet owners and administrators alike.
What will you need?
Licensing your pet will require specific information and proof. Having these items at the ready allows for the fastest experience. You have the option to upload a document as a saved or scanned file, or you may take a photo directly from your device on our upload page.
Payment
We securely process payment online and accept all major credit and debit cards as forms of payment.
Documents
Spay/Neuter proof
This document is required to qualify for the discounted rate and is only needed once and will be saved to your pet’s profile upon upload for future renewals. This proof declaring that your pet has been spayed or neutered may be in the form of a statement or receipt from the veterinarian, shelter, or clinic that performed the procedure.
Rabies vaccination proof
This document serves as formal proof that your pet has received a California-approved rabies vaccination. This document may be in the form of a Rabies Vaccination Certificate that has been signed by a veterinarian or certified professional. It is the law that pets must be up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations, so new documents will need to be uploaded to your pets profile as they receive their booster shots.
How to license
Online
The fastest and easiest way to license or renew is right here. You'll create a profile for your pet, upload any necessary documents, process your license registration, and receive purchase confirmations via email. Payment can be made using a credit card or Visa/Mastercard debit card. Each year, you just need to log in to your existing account and renew - it's super easy!
License a pet for the first time
I've never licensed a pet with the City of Manhattan Beach before
License nowIn-person
In person licensing is available at the following location(s) however it's important to know you will still receive your tag in the mail:
Don't forget to check hours of operation, appointment policies, and accepted payment methods prior to heading out.
Hours of Operation: Monday to Thursday (excluding holidays) between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm PDT and Friday between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm PDT. Accepted forms of payments are all major credit cards, check or cash.
Manhattan Beach City Hall
1400 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
If you opt to license via snail mail - keep in mind processing your registration will take a lot longer!
Make sure you complete the below form in full and that it is free of any errors otherwise your registration may not be successfully processed. The fine print is there for a reason so keep an eye out for accepted payment methods, who the check should be made out to, where it should be mailed, and any required supporting documentation.
Pet license form (English)
Formulario de licencia para mascotas (Español)
Phone
If you're unable to complete your pet's license online, you can contact our Customer Care team for assistance. Please note that licenses are primarily designed to be completed online, and phone support is intended for troubleshooting or special circumstances.
You must have up-to-date spay/neuter or rabies documentation on file. We can accept credit cards and Visa/Mastercard debit cards for payment.
DocuPet Customer Care: 1-877-239-6072
Hours of Operation:Monday-Saturday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM PST (excluding holidays)Sunday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM PST
License fees & details
Licenses are required for all dogs living in the City of Manhattan Beach. Cat licensing remains voluntary at this time. Licenses are available for 1 year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.
| Dog Licenses | 1 Year Fee |
|---|---|
| Spayed/Neutered Dog | $23.00 |
| Intact Dog | $51.00 |
| Voluntary Cat Licenses | 1 Year Fee |
|---|---|
| Voluntary Spayed/Neutered Cat License | $23.00 |
| Voluntary Intact Cat License | $51.00 |
- A replacement Manhattan Beach tag is available for a $4.00 fee.
- Voluntary cat licenses are available in Manhattan Beach. Although not required, licensing your cat is a great way to help ensure their safety.
- A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at the time of purchase.
- A spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.
- All licenses expire the day they were purchased, 1 year in the future, so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
- When licensing a service animal for the first time that meet ADA requirements, licensing must be done in person at the City of Manhattan Beach. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
- Pet owners must be 62 or older, with an income under $10,000 to qualify for the senior low-income rate. Licensing must be done in person for the first time when purchasing this license type.
- Late fees are applied 30 days after a license expires and accrue every 30 days at a rate of $4.60 (20%) per month for an altered dog and $10.20 (20%) per month for an unaltered dog. In addition, late fees will also be applied at 1 year and 2 years post-expiration.
- All dogs aged 4 months or older must be licensed, as required by City Municipal Code.
- Residents of the City of Manhattan Beach are allowed to own a maximum of 5 pets per household.
Frequently asked questions
HELP DESK
Still have a question that you have not been able to answer?
Visit our Help Desk for more information: https://docupetinc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us
LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS
When can I renew my pet's license?
You may renew your pet's license within 60 days of your pet's current license expiration date. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new license will start the day after expiration, not on the date of purchase.
Do licenses need to be renewed annually?
Licenses are required to be renewed prior to the expiration date each year.
How old does my pet need to be for me to license them?
All pets over the age of 4 months are required to be licensed.
When does my pet's license expire?
Licenses expire at the end of the 1 year term unless your pet's current rabies vaccination expiration date falls prior to the end of the term. A license cannot be valid at any time a pet's rabies is expired. If you provide new proof of rabies expiration extending beyond the original term selected prior to the license expiration date, your pet's license may be extended to the full term originally selected.
PROGRAM AND PARTNERSHIP
Why does the system say my address is not valid?
You may have entered your address incorrectly or we may not have your address in the address database for your community. Please double-check all spelling and ensure you are using the abbreviated form for your street (e.g., type St instead of Street.) If your address is still not being accepted but you believe you reside within the licensing jurisdiction, please reach out to Manhattan Beach directly for assistance.
ACCOUNT UPDATES
My pet is no longer with me, but I’m still receiving renewal reminders?
We’re sorry! Unfortunately, unless you update your account to reflect that a pet is no longer in your care, we have no way of knowing. Have you already told us? You may have a duplicate account. Get in touch with your licensing organization or our DocuPet customer service team to update your record.
Does my license transfer if I am moving?
If you are moving, please be sure to update your address by logging into your online account and navigating to your Profile Settings page. Even though you are moving, you’ll still be able to keep your pet's tag and access your pet's online account. However, your current license may not be valid in the new community you are moving to. Please get in touch with the pet licensing provider in the new community you are moving to in order to find out more information.
How do I notify DocuPet that my pet has passed away?
We're sorry for your loss. You can update a pet's profile via your online account by editing your pet's profile and selecting 'Remove this Pet'.
FEES AND FINES
My pet qualifies for the service animal rate. What do I do?
Please visit Manhattan Beach in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. Once the team there verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.
What is the senior citizen age requirement?
Those aged 62 and older, with an income under $10,000 may qualify for a senior citizen low income rate.
Why am I being charged a late fee?
Late fees come into effect if a license is not renewed within 30 days of the original expiration date. These fees will accure every 30 days up to 150 days.
TAGS
Will my pet receive a new free tag with every order?
No, each pet will only receive one free tag with their first license via DocuPet. This tag doesn’t expire. If you’ve already received a DocuPet tag, your furry friend is good to go! If you’d like a new tag, you can purchase a standard replacement tag or a new designer tag during the license order process or in our store.
How do I receive my tag if I don't have a current address?
Please visit Manhattan Beach in person located at 1400 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach CA 90266, and they will be able to assist you.
CITY INFORMATION AND CITY ORDINANCES
Is there a limit to the number of pets I'm allowed to have?
Residents of the City of Manhattan Beach are allowed to own a maximum of 5 pets per household.
Who do I call if there’s an emergency involving dogs? (dog attack, loose dog, etc.)
Please get in touch with Manhattan Beach at (310) 802-5558.
What species are required to be licensed?
The following species are required to be licensed: Dogs are mandatory and cats are voluntary.
Where can I find information about the pet licensing ordinance/bylaw?
Visit this page for information on licensing ordinances/bylaws.
DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
Why won't the system allow me to license without a new rabies document?
To license your pet, you will be required to show proof that the pet's rabies vaccination is current. Documentation is also required to verify that a pet has been spayed or neutered and must be provided in order to receive the discounted rate. Requiring documentation ensures that provided pet information is accurate, which is critical for identification and safety reasons.
I just adopted my pet, but the information on the rabies vaccination certificate does not match my information. What should I do?
If the rabies vaccination certificate does not match your information because the pet was adopted, we recommend contacting Manhattan Beach directly so their team can review and approve the documentation. We suggest reaching out to confirm that you have all required documentation, which may include adoption paperwork, in order to license your pet.
Where can I obtain a copy of my pet’s rabies or spay/neuter document?
If you can’t locate the document you received after the procedure was done, you will need to contact your vet to obtain your pet's records. Be sure to specify any and all pets you require documentation for.
Once you’ve got the paperwork in your hands, take a look to ensure:
- The document provided is the right type of proof required.
- Pet and pet owner account data matches your own.
- The document is clear and legible.
My pet is rabies exempt, what do I do?
You will need to complete the required paperwork and visit Manhattan Beach in person to qualify for a rabies exemption.