All dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies in the state of Indiana beginning at the age of three months. The animal's first vaccination is good for one year. Dogs and cats may receive three year rabies vaccines after that. Ferrets must continue to be vaccinated annually. 

Pet Registrations (Your Pet Will Be Wearing Two Tags!)

[ CLICK HERE to Download the Animal Registration Application]

Each dog and cat in Fort Wayne is required by state law to wear a rabies tag issued by your veterinarian and a city registration tag which can be purchased from your veterinarian or from Animal Care & Control. The city registration is $5.00 for altered animals (Free if you are a senior citizen age 62+) and $100.00 for all unaltered dogs and cats. The permit is your pet's ticket home when found as it can be traced 24-hours a day, even when your veterinarian is closed. The different fee for intact animals is designed to address the issue of pet overpopulation and to move forward toward the euthanasia of fewer unwanted animals in the community. If you live in Allen County and need financial assistance to have your pet altered, call 427-1244 and ask about SNAP - the Spay Neuter Assistance Program.

A Lifetime Pet Registration is now available for pets that are both altered and microchipped. The lifetime registration is available from your veterinarian or at Animal Care & Control where your pet will be scanned to verify that the microchip and information traces to you and your current address. This information may already be on file with your veterinarian if that is where your pet was microchipped. A lifetime registration is $30. Senior citizens (age 62+) pay $5.

Animal Related Businesses & Events Requiring A License

Application for all of these permits may be made at the shelter business office between 9AM and 5:30PM, Monday through Friday.

• Major Breeder: more than one litter in any household in 12 months. (dog or cat) Proper zoning is required.

• Minor Breeder: one litter in a 12 month period. (Fee reduced if pet is altered after litter.)

• Kennel/Cattery: more than three unaltered pets at one address. Proper zoning is required.

• Commercial Animal Exhibits, Animal Events, Concessions: all events involving an animal and taking place within the city limits of Fort Wayne require a permit. Permits are complimentary if conducted by a non-for-profit agency. All events are inspected by the Department of Animal Care and Control.