Dog Licensing

Yamhill County requires every person that owns or keeps a dog to obtain a license for their dog, as set forth by Oregon Revised Statute 609.100 and Yamhill County Dog Control Code (Chapter 4.05). Any person who owns or keeps an unlicensed dog in Yamhill County will be subject to a fine. In order to obtain a dog license, the owner must first have a rabies certificate.

Failure to license may result in a citation or fine as outlined in YCC 4.05.05.10. In addition to a citation/fine, owners are responsible for paying a late fee as outlined. If a citation has been issued, the Late License Fee is double the yearly license fee + the appropriate license fee.

Assistance Animals

Licensing exemptions for assistance animals are provided as outlined in ORS 609.105. 

“Assistance animal” means a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual (see ORS 659A.143 and OAR 839-006-0345). A rabies certificate (unless lawfully exempt) is required, along with a certificate of training and/or medical affidavit from the dog owner or keeper showing that the dog lawfully qualifies as an assistance animal. There is no fee for the license, but all other requirements of licensing apply.

When to License Your Dog

  • Puppies with their permanent canine teeth (fangs) or 6 months of age, whichever comes first.
  • If you acquire a dog aged 6 months or older, you have 30 days to get it licensed in your name.
  • If a dog resides on your property for more than 30 days out of the year, consecutive or not, it is your responsibility to make sure the dog is licensed in Yamhill County.
  • You have 30 days to license your dog when you move into Yamhill County. A valid (not expired) license from another county in Oregon can be transferred to Yamhill County for $5 and will expire on the original rabies vaccination expiration date.
  • Failure to license your dog once they reach the required age, or have been in the County for more than 30 days, will result in a late fee and licensing fees retroactive to the date the dog should have been licensed.

How to License Your Dog

  • A valid Rabies Certificate is required for all new and renewal licensing. You may send your updated rabies certificate via email to licensing@hbpets.org.
  • Please note that a license cannot exceed your rabies expiration date and multiple year licensing is optional, not required. See below for pricing options based upon rabies expiration. See below for pricing options based upon rabies expiration.
  • To be eligible for the reduced fee for a spayed or neutered dog, you must submit written proof from your veterinarian that shows the certificate of operation (often found on your rabies vaccination document).
  • To be eligible for the reduced fee for Senior Owners (65+), you must submit written proof from your veterinarian that shows the certificate of operation (often found on your rabies vaccination document) and proof of owner age (e.g., driver’s license).
      • Effective 02/27/2025, there is no longer a limit to how many dogs each senior owner can license under the reduced fee, as long as the spayed/neutered requirement for each dog is met.
      • Effective 02/27/2025, there is no longer a “Super Senior” reduced fee license for those 75+.

Where to License Your Dog

  • Effective September 29, 2025, dog license applications are submitted online at https://form.jotform.com/251906221810145.
  • If you need assistance with the registration process, Yamhill County Dog Control Licensing, located at Homeward Bound Pets Humane Society, 10601 SE Loop Rd, Dayton, OR 97114, is available by appointment only Tuesday – Saturday:
    • Please call 503-472-0341, ext. 4 and leave a detailed message regarding the animal you are licensing, your name, preferred appointment time, and a good contact phone number to schedule an appointment. 
    • This line is a message line only; we will only be able to return your call and schedule licensing if you provide the requested information.
  • If you have not received a citation or written warning, you may license at our remote licenser location, Newberg Veterinary Hospital, 3716 E Portland Road, Newberg, Oregon 97132. Please note that paperwork is only picked up from remote licenser location once a month. Please add 45 days turnaround for dogs licensed at a remote location.

2025 License Fees (as of 02/27/2025)
License Type
License Length#

1 Year2 Years3 Years
Fertile Dog$35$65$90
Spayed / Neutered Dog*$25$45$60
Spayed / Neutered Dog with Owner aged 65 and over**$15$25$30

* Must submit written proof from veterinarian that shows the certificate of operation (often found on your rabies vaccination document)

** Must submit written proof from veterinarian that shows the certificate of operation (often found on your rabies vaccination document) and proof of owner age (e.g., driver’s license).

# Licenses may not extend past the rabies certificate expiration date.

Importance of Licensing

Yamhill County Dog Control receives no general fund (tax) dollars. All funds used to operate Dog Control comes from licensing and redemption fees and donations. It is not only our goal to have all dogs in the County licensed, it is required by State Law.

Licensing your pet has many benefits to our community:

  • A license tag will get your pet home in the event he/she gets lost.
  • In the case of dog bites, we are immediately able to verify the rabies vaccination status of any dog licensed in the County.
  • If there is an emergency with your pet, a license tag will allow us to make immediate contact regarding medical attention.