Licensing Your Dog
Licenses are required by Anchorage Municipal Code Title 17 ("Animals") for all dogs over the age of four months. Anchorage city boundaries (shown below) extend from the Knik River bridge in the north to several miles beyond Portage in the south--including Eklutna, Chugiak, Peters Creek, Eagle River, Anchorage, Girdwood, Portage, and all points in between. Unlicensed dogs are subject to a Notice of Violation, which carries a fine of $75. Any dog transported into the municipality must be licensed within 15 days of its arrival in the municipality.
A license identifies your dog as yours, showing everyone your dog is not a homeless stray and that the owner cares enough to register the pet legally. Your dog's personal data is kept on computer. Should your dog be found by an Animal Control Officer or a private party who contacts us, you will be notified by the Animal Care and Control Center as soon as possible. If your dog becomes accidentally injured and impounded, Animal Care & Control will provide initial veterinary stabilization for animals bearing a license tag. If necessary, treatment may include humane euthanasia. Local veterinarians are also more willing to invest emergency treatment in a sick or injured animal bearing a license tag.
Download the Dog License Application form here (PDF).
