- According to the American Kennel Club, the basic cost for an application to register your dog online is $33.00 USD. (Source)
- Local governments have their own fees to register a dog that ranges in price from $9.00 USD to $50.00 USD. (Source)
- The local government fees are to be paid annually and are subject to change.
- Annual fees are usually higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered.
- There are cost factors to consider, based on registration levels and other concerns such as a transfer of dog ownership between the parties involved.
- Under the Animal Welfare Act, it is a federal law to have the dog registered as proof of ownership. (Source)
Dog Registration Cost Factors
- Level of Registration and Location
- Online Registration vs. Paper Registration
- Litter Costs
- Additional Fees & Services
Level of Registration
Federal law requires all dog owners to register their dog as proof of ownership. Documentation is needed, whether it’s by paper or saved digitally, as your one and the only way to ensure you don’t encounter any legal issues.
Most municipalities have laws in place that if you claim to be the owner of a dog without the registration documents to prove it you will be subject to fines that usually cost more than the registration fees.
Furthermore, should you lose the dog due to circumstances beyond your control, only with proof of registration will you be able to get it back.
A basic registration application fee for the dog only does exactly as it’s described. The registration is basic and nothing more. However, there are additional levels such as silver, gold, and platinum.
While registering a dog online, the basic registration price of $33.00 USD will escalate according to registration levels. The highest level, which is platinum, is priced at $82.99 USD.
This does not include any late fees or extra charges that may also play a cost factor here. Furthermore, the local government has its own licensing fees in place that start as low as $9.00 USD. This is an annual fee that’s expected for the dog owner to keep up with.
Online Registration vs. Paper Registration
Should someone register their dog online, it’s cheaper to do so than on paper. The reason for this is it’s the more environmentally friendly choice as there’s no actual paperwork involved.
It’s all digital. It’s also through this method only that an owner may register their dog at the platinum level. The AKC reunite registration, which is paperwork needed registration, is only offered offline.
Should one register their dog on paper, platinum registration is not made available. However, on paper, if it’s an AKC reunite registration, the cost is $54.99 USD. This is usually the cost involved when a dog owner has lost his dog and must pay this fee should they want it back.
Since this is an in-person transaction held either at the dog pound or another governmentally-appointed location, the presence of witnesses to ensure all the legal documentation takes place is needed.
Litter Costs
Litter costs come into factor when there are puppies involved in the registration process. Depending on the level of service needed, as well as how many puppies are in the equation, it can start as low as $25.00 USD for basic registration to as much as $60.00 USD if you want it expedited.
An extra $2.00 USD is applied to each puppy that’s involved with this process.
Additional Fees & Services
It’s expensive to be late! In order to keep costs down, be on time as there are hefty late fees in place when the proper registration of a dog isn’t done within an acceptable time limit.
There are also other cost factors involved such as a transfer of ownership, specified certifications, and pedigree issues. There are also kennel names that need to be considered if this is factored into the equation.
If you’re a dog owner, then you know that one of the most important things you need to do is register your dog with the appropriate authorities. But what exactly does this process entail?
So, what is dog registration? Essentially, it’s the official recording of your dog’s particulars with the relevant authorities. This usually includes information such as the dog’s name, breed, age, sex, and so on. In some cases, it may also involve getting your dog microchipped for identification purposes.
Why is dog registration important? There are a few key reasons. First of all, it helps to ensure that your dog is properly identified in case it ever gets lost or stolen. Secondly, it can help authorities reunite you with your dog more quickly if it does go missing. And finally, in some areas, registration may be required by law.
Now that you know what dog registration is and why it’s important, let’s take a look at how to go about it. The first step is to find out whether it’s required in your area. This will vary depending on where you live, so it’s best to check with your local authorities.
Once you’ve established that registration is indeed required, the next step is to gather the necessary information and documents. This usually includes things like your dog’s name, breed, age, and so on. You may also need to provide proof of vaccinations and spaying or neutering.
Once you have all the required information and documents, the next step is to submit them to the relevant authorities. This can usually be done either in person or online. Once your application has been processed, you will typically receive a registration certificate for your dog.
So there you have it – everything you need to know about dog registration. Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, you can go ahead and start the process of registering your furry friend.
Benefits of registration
One of the main benefits of dog registration is that it helps to ensure that your dog is properly identified in case it ever gets lost or stolen. This can be a huge help if you’re ever unfortunate enough to lose your dog, as it makes it much easier for authorities to track him down.
Another key benefit of registration is that it can help authorities reunite you with your dog more quickly if it does go missing. This is especially important if your dog is prone to running away or getting lost.
Finally, in some areas, registration may be required by law. This means that you can’t legally own a dog in that area unless he’s been registered with the appropriate authorities. So if you’re thinking of getting a dog, be sure to check whether registration is required in your area.
Registration vs licensing
Some areas also require dog licensing, which is a separate process from registration. Licensing is typically required for all dogs, regardless of whether they’re registered or not. The main purpose of licensing is to help fund animal control and welfare services in your area.
So, which process is right for you – registration or licensing? That’s something you’ll need to check with your local authorities. In some cases, you may be able to do both processes at the same time, while in other cases you may have to choose one or the other.
Either way, it’s important to make sure that your dog is properly registered or licensed so that he can legally reside in your area.
Dog registration is a process that involves providing authorities with your dog’s personal information, such as his name, breed, age, and so on. In some cases, it may also involve getting your dog microchipped for identification purposes.
Registration is important for a few key reasons, including helping to ensure that your dog is properly identified in case he ever gets lost or stolen. It can also help authorities reunite you with your dog more quickly if he does go missing.
Finally, in some areas, registration may be required by law. The cost of registration varies depending on your area, but typically it’s a relatively small fee. Some areas also require dog licensing, which is a separate process from registration.
Licensing is typically required for all dogs, regardless of whether they’re registered or not. The main purpose of licensing is to help fund animal control and welfare services in your area.
So, which process is right for you – registration or licensing? That’s something you’ll need to check with your local authorities. In some cases, you may be able to do both processes at the same time, while in other cases you may have to choose one or the other.
Either way, it’s important to make sure that your dog is properly registered or licensed so that he can legally reside in your area.
Summing Up
Registration costs can vary depending on your area, but typically it’s a relatively small fee. So if you’re thinking of getting a dog, be sure to factor in the cost of registration.
Hi, my name’s David. I started this pricing blog as a side project to help people figure out the best prices on common services. Whether you’re trying to figure out how much it costs to get scanning done at Staples or the expense to bleach short hair, more than likely I’ve blogged about it. Shoot me an email if you have any questions: david@mightyprice.com.
