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Residents of the City of Columbia and Richland County are required to license ALL pets annually. Failure to do so can result in a maximum fine of $200 or 30 days in jail.
To obtain a license, owners must give proof of rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccination is required by state law and failure to do so can result in a $200 fine.
City of Columbia residents are only permitted to own 3 dogs within city limits. Owning more than 3 dogs will require pet owners to apply for a kennel license per City Code Sec. 4-63 “Kennels”.
If you have any questions pertaining to licensing you pet, please email [email protected]

Register Online

Check out our new licensing portal. Please click the button below to be taken to our online portal to register your pet.

Online Pet License Application

Printable Application

While online registration is faster and preferred, you can download a printable application below in a PDF format.

Download Pet License Application (PDF)
City of Columbia Pet Licensing Fees
Sterilized pet
 $5.00
Unsterilized pet
 $25.00
Dogs assisting with handicap*
 Free
Participated in 3 nationally recognized obedience trials or conformation shows in the past 12 months*
 $5.00
Not spayed/neutered due to medical reasons*
 $5.00
*Owner must provide proof.
The City of Columbia now allows residents to have up to four hens. (No roosters.) Hens must be licensed; the fee is $5 per hen.
Payments cannot be made online.
For more information on payment methods, please contact the Columbia Animal Shelter at 803-776-PETS (7387) or visit their office at 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC 29209.
Differential licensing programs encourage the following:
  • Vaccination for rabies as required by state law
  • Neutering/spaying of pets
  • Reduce the stray and unwanted animal population
  • Minimize the amount of tax dollars used for animal control costs
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