Licenses

One of the responsibilities of the Animal Management Division is to protect the public and animals in the County by ensuring that dogs, cats and ferrets are properly licensed and inoculated against rabies. AMD also issues animal holding facility licenses for grooming establishments, boarding facilities, pet shops and animal shows.

As stated in the Animal Control Ordinance, “No person shall own, keep or harbor any dog, cat or ferret over the age of four months, unless such dog/cat/ferret is licensed (SECTION 3-145). A LICENSE MUST BE OBTAINED WITHIN THIRTY DAYS AFTER RESIDENCY IS ESTABLISHED.

If you are 65 years of age or older and your pet(s) are altered with current rabies vaccination(s), you are entitled to 2 free pet licenses a year if you purchase your license(s) in person at the Prince George’s County Animal Management Facility.

The following information must be provided with a license application

• Copy of current rabies vaccination certificate;
• Copy of spay/neuter certificate (if applicable); and
• Check or money order made payable to "Prince George's County" in the appropriate amount.

Fees for dog/cat/ferret licenses

• $5 for spayed or neutered (altered) pet
• $25 for unaltered pet

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Pit Bull Licensing

In accordance with Prince George's County Code, Section 3-185.01, Pit Bulls are illegal and must be removed from the County.

If your Pit Bull is currently registered, you will receive a renewal notice from the Animal Management Division to renew your registration. The registration tag your dog received will stay with him during his life. Our records will be updated to reflect the renewal of the registration tag. Should you lose your Pit Bull registration, a duplicate will not be provided.

Pit Bulls are defined as:

• Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed
• American Staffordshire Terrier Breed
• American Pit Bull Terrier Dog Breed

Section 3-185.01 of the Prince George's County Code requires that Pit Bulls be maintained within a building or secure kennel at all times and wear a Pit Bull registration tag at all times.

Pit Bulls outside of a building or kennel shall be under the control of an adult and secured by an unbreakable or unseverable leash.

The Pit Bull registration fee is $50 and must be renewed annually by the Prince George's County Animal Management Division. The dog license fee for an altered dog is $5 and $25 for an unaltered dog.

Violations of Section 3-185.01 will result in fines up to $1,000 or a sentence of not more than six months of imprisonment. An owner of a Pit Bull that causes injury to or kills a human being or a domestic animal without imprisonment shall be fined up to $1,000 or receive a sentence of not more than six months imprisonment.

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Holding Facilities Licenses

A valid license is required to operate all kennels, catteries, guard or sentry dog facilities, pet shops, riding schools or stables, petting zoos or grooming establishments.The fee for a guard dog license is $50 per year. Dogs being trained or used as guard dogs must be able to demonstrate obedience training and be under the control of a responsible handler when they are trained or used.

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Hobby Permits

Anyone who keeps or harbors five or more animals larger than a guinea pig over the age of four months must obtain an Animal Hobby Permit. This section does not apply to licensed animal holding facilities, licensed veterinary hospitals, circus or traveling animal exhibitions or the keeping of farm animals, fish or birds. The annual fee for an Animal Hobby Permit is $5.

Note: Animal Hobby and Animal Holding Facility Permits do not exempt the owner from licensing each animal individually. Handicap service animals may be exempt from licensing fees. Please contact AMD at (301) 499-8300 for more information.

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Purchasing Locations for Dog/Cat/Ferret Licenses (Walk-in or Mail-in)

(Please allow two weeks for processing when mailing in for a license)

Animal Management Division
Licensing Section
8311 D'Arcy Road
Forestville, MD 20747
Phone: (301) 499-8300
Fax: (301) 499-8329
TDD: (301) 985-3894

(Payment by cash or Discover Card only for Animal Management Division Walk-Ins)

Walk-In Only:

(Please contact these locations for payment options and hours of operation)

Bowie Animal Control
2614 Kenhill Drive
Bowie, MD 20715
Phone: (301) 262-6200

College Park Municipal Center
4500 Knox Road
College Park, MD 20740
Phone: (301) 864-5585

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