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Pet Licenses & Microchip

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Protect Your Pets! Microchip and License Them Today.

In Henderson, all dogs and cats over four months old must be microchipped and licensed—it’s the law! These simple steps greatly increase the chances of bringing a lost pet home safely while also helping to keep our shelter less crowded. Fines for violations start at $100, often more than the cost of a microchip.

Pet Licensing 

City of Henderson ordinance requires dogs, cats, rabbits, potbellied pigs, and ferrets four months or older to be spayed or neutered, except under specified circumstances.

Why Pet Licensing Matters

  • Pet licensing provides official proof of ownership and helps reunite lost pets with their families.
  • Licensing also supports public health by ensuring pets are vaccinated and important community animal services.
  • Staying licensed keeps you compliant with City law and avoids unnecessary fines.

Henderson Municipal Code pertaining to licenses reads as follows: Every person owning, keeping, harboring or possessing within the City, any dog, cat or ferret over the age of three (3) months, shall within thirty (30) days after said pet attains the age of three (3) months or with thirty (30) days after first bringing said pet into the City, obtain for said pet a current pet license.

You must have proof of a current rabies vaccine for your pet that does not expire within 6 months to obtain a pet license.

Where to Purchase a Pet License

Licenses may be purchased online at https://www.petdata.com/for-pet-owners/hnd/ or at the APS Facility. 

City of Henderson Animal Protection Services
300 E. Galleria Dr.
Henderson, NV 89011
702-267-4970

Cost

  • Sterilized dog, cat, ferret: $20 annually
    • Senior Citizen Discount (55 and older): Sterilized dog, cat, ferret $10 annually
  • Intact dog or cat $50 annually

 ***The City of Henderson charges a 2.8% nonrefundable service fee for most credit or debit card payments (some exclusions may apply). To continue providing convenient options and alleviate any inconvenience with the card service fees, the following free options may be available (where applicable):

  • E-check online payment
  • Cash payment in person
  • Check or money order payment in person

Microchip

A microchip provides a permanent, tamper-proof form of identification that links your pet to your contact information, greatly improving the chances of being reunited if they’re ever lost or stolen. It can also help settle ownership disputes, offering extra peace of mind. The procedure is quick, affordable, and serves as a dependable backup to collars and tags, which can break or fall off. Some registries even store important medical information, adding another layer of protection for your pet.
 
Benefits of Microchipping:
  • Permanent identification: A microchip stays with your pet for life and cannot be lost or altered.
  • Higher reunion rates: Veterinarians and Animal Protection Services staff routinely scan microchips to contact owners.
  • Protection against theft: Microchips help confirm ownership and identify stolen animals.
  • Proof of ownership: Registered information can serve as legal proof in disputes.
  • Medical information: Some registries store vital health details, such as allergies.
  • Works without a collar: If your pet loses its collar, the microchip still provides identification.
  • Cost-effective: A one-time, affordable procedure with lifelong benefits. 
The Microchipping Requirement Does Not Apply to:
  • Pets whose owners have lived in the City for fewer than 30 days.
  • Animals temporarily in the City for under 30 days for shows or exhibitions, provided they do not run at large.
  • Dogs and cats that cannot be safely microchipped, as confirmed by a licensed veterinarian.

Where to get your pet microchipped:

  • Most veterinarian's offices offer microchipping services. 
  • Retail locations like PetSmart may offer microchipping (varies by location).