Dog & Cat Tags

Registration Requirements

Pursuant to state and county codes, residents are required to vaccinate and license dogs and cats kept as pets. Dog and cat tags can be purchased in person or by mail to the Roanoke County Treasurer's Office at:
5204 Bernard Drive
Roanoke, VA 24018

There is no required application form for non multi-dog licenses (three and under), however you are required to furnish a current rabies certificate (PDF). 

Beginning January 1, 2025, the County will start issuing Lifetime Animal tags, in place of the current one and three year tags, to all non-aggressive animals.  If your animal is a state registered dangerous dog, you are still required to purchase an annual County tag.  

Purchase Rates

Limitations on Number of Pets

Roanoke County Code states that you may not have more than six cats or three dogs unless you are approved for a multi-dog permit.  Application information can be found here.

Licensing Dogs & Cats in the Commonwealth of Virginia

State law clearly states that all dogs over four months of age must be inoculated and licensed. In addition, Roanoke County has adopted an ordinance requiring licensure of all cats over four months of age. Pursuant to the Code of Virginia 3.1-796.87:1, veterinarians are required to provide a copy of the rabies vaccine certificate or the information contained in such a certificate to the treasurer of the locality in which they practice.

Failure to Attain a License

If the treasurer determines that the owner of a dog or cat has failed to purchase a license within 90 days of the date of vaccination, the treasurer shall notify the owner and request for the owner to submit a copy of the rabies certificate and pay the appropriate fee.

If after 30 days of notice the pet owner still has not purchased an animal license, the treasurer shall supply Animal Control with the name and address of the pet owner.