Dog & Cat Tags

Registration Requirements

Pursuant to state and county codes, residents are required to vaccinate and license dogs and cats kept as pets. To apply for a dog or cat tag, please deliver your request in person or by mail to the Roanoke County Treasurer's Office at:
5204 Bernard Drive
P.O. Box 21009
Roanoke, VA 24018

Animal licenses are issued on a calendar year basis.  Therefore, all licenses expire on December 31st regardless of the date of vaccination or previous tag purchase.  Licenses for the upcoming calendar year cannot be purchased until after January 1st.  For example, a 2020 dog tag (1 or 3 years tag) must be purchased after January 1, 2020.

There is no required application form, however you are required to furnish a current rabies certificate (PDF). If you are purchasing a three-year animal tag, your rabies certificate must indicate a three-year rabies vaccination was obtained.

Purchase Rates

Limitations on Number of Pets

Roanoke County Code states that you may not have more than six cats or three dogs unless you apply and are approved for a dog kennel license.

Licensing Dogs & Cats in the Commonwealth of Virginia

State law clearly states that all dogs over four months of age must be inoculated and licensed. In addition, Roanoke County has adopted an ordinance requiring licensure of all cats over four months of age. Pursuant to the Code of Virginia 3.1-796.87:1, veterinarians are required to provide a copy of the rabies vaccine certificate or the information contained in such a certificate to the treasurer of the locality in which they practice.

Failure to Attain a License

If the treasurer determines that the owner of a dog or cat has failed to purchase a license within 90 days of the date of vaccination, the treasurer shall notify the owner and request that the owner submit a copy of the rabies certificate and pay the appropriate fee.

Once notifications are mailed, the treasurer will continue to check their records. If after 30 days of notice the pet owner still has not purchased an animal license, the treasurer shall supply Animal Control with the name and address of the pet owner.