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Animals Tags & Licenses

The Columbia ordinance requires that cats and dogs over the age of three (3) months must be licensed. Dogs are licensed for periods up to three (3) years. Cats are normally licensed for one (1) year. The Boone County ordinance does not require licenses, however, it does require that all dogs or cats over three (3) months of age be vaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian.

You may apply for a City of Columbia pet license at any veterinarian located in Columbia or at the City's Business License Office. The Business License Office is located at:

Business Licenses & Permits
725 East Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201
Phone: (573) 874-7378 or 874-7747
Fax: (573) 449-1800 or 875-4610

The following is the actual City ordinance, additional information on animal control fees is available through the Health Department.

Animal Tags/Licenses
(Sections 5-28 through 5-65, Columbia Code of Ordinances)

Each licensed veterinarian engaged in such practice within the City shall collect the animal license tax and issue a certificate and metallic tag, to be supplied by the Business License Administrator, evidencing payment of such tax.

No person shall own, keep, harbor or permit to be or remain on or about his premises any dog or cat over three (3) months of age which has not been licensed.

The license fee for each domestic cat or dog between the ages of three (3) months and 12 months and for each neutered domestic cat or dog of any age kept, harbored or owned within the City is $5.00 for any period of time not to exceed one year; and $10.00 for any period greater than one year, but not exceeding two (2) years; and $15.00 for any period greater than two (2) years but not exceeding three (3) years.

The license fee for each domestic cat or dog over the age of 12 months kept, harbored or owned within the city is $15.00 for any period of time not to exceed one year; $30.00 for any period greater than one year, but not exceeding two (2) years; and $45.00 for any period greater than two (2) years but not exceeding three (3) years.