Pet licenses are required for all dogs and cats within St. Joseph County, Indiana. Licensing plays a crucial role in responsible pet ownership by ensuring pets are properly identified and up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
Why Pet Licensing is Important:
- Proof of Rabies Vaccination – Licensing verifies that pets have received a rabies vaccination, helping to prevent the spread of this deadly disease and ensuring public safety.
- Pet Identification & Recovery – A pet license provides a unique identification number linked to the owner’s contact information, making it easier for lost pets to be returned home quickly.
- Legal Compliance – Licensing is required by law in St. Joseph County to promote responsible pet ownership.
- Public Safety & Animal Control Support – Funds from pet licensing help support local animal control services, including responding to stray or dangerous animals and investigating neglect or cruelty cases.
Online applications will be reviewed weekly and licenses issued once the application is submitted, valid rabies vaccination certificate provided, and correct payment received. Pet licenses purchased online will be mailed to the owner.
You must provide a copy of your pet’s rabies vaccination and microchip number if applicable. In most cases, the pet license will expire with the rabies vaccination or one year from the date it was issued. Pets that are not spayed/neutered and/or are not microchipped are not eligible for a 3 year pet license.
If you would like more information about purchasing a breeder, kennel/cattery, omnibus, pet shop, controlled animal, performance, dangerous animal, county chicken, or any other type of permit please visit the Humane Society of St. Joseph County to pick up an application.
*Mishawaka City has a three pet limit with exceptions depending on lot size.
*Unincorporated areas of St. Joseph County no longer have a pet limit but all dogs/cats must be licensed and all dogs/cats/ferrets must have a valid rabies vaccination.
Procedure for St. Joseph County (IN) Residents applying for a Chicken Permit
- Application is obtained from the Humane Society either at their Grape Road location or on their web site HERE.
- Applicant fills out the application and brings it to Planning and Zoning Office for verification of the development standards in Section 154.106 (C)(2)(a).
- Planning and Zoning staff signs off in area provided on the application form.
- If the coop or any other building to be built is 120 square feet or greater, than a building permit is required from the Building Department. Regardless of size, if the structure will have electricity, an electrical permit will be required from the Building Department.
- The completed application is then filed with the Humane Society who will perform the required inspections. Applicant pays permit fee of $20.00.
- Applicant’s who have a property size of less than 0.5 acres will require the approval of the Animal Control Commission before the County Chicken Permit is issued.
Download a copy of the St. Joseph County Chicken Permit Application Packet HERE
