Omaha/Elkhorn Licensing Information

You may license your pet online, by mail, at participating vet clinics, or in person at the Nebraska Humane Society.

Please Note: License fees are a non-refundable city fee. A $5 processing fee will be charged on all licensing transactions (including in-person payments made at NHS).

What animals are required to be licensed in the City of Omaha (and Elkhorn)?

Dog, Cats and Mini Pigs

Number of Animals Allowed:

3 dogs, 5 cats and 2 mini pigs

Please note: Omaha residents may apply for a pet avocation permit which allows up to 5 dogs and up to 6 cats – but no more than 8 pets total. Click here for information and to apply for the permit. 

At what age do pets need to be licensed?

All dogs, cats and mini pigs must be licensed at 4 months of age.

Time period you may have a pet to be considered an owner:

30 days

When must New Residents license their pets?

All new residents must license their pets within 30 days of moving to the City of Omaha.

What vaccinations are required for licensing?

Veterinary proof of current rabies vaccination is required to license all cats and dogs.  

Please note:  Owners may pay the licensing fee prior to obtaining a current rabies vaccination for their pet.  However, the actual license tag (if a new pet) or validation letter will not be given to the owner until proof of current rabies vaccination is received.  Owners have 30 days after paying the license fee to vaccinate their pet and provide appropriate rabies documentation to NHS or the late fee will apply.

When are annual pet licensing fees due?

Pet licenses are due January 1 and are delinquent after March 15 of each year.

How much does it cost to license my pet?

*Veterinary proof of spay/neuter is required to license at the lower rate.

How much does it cost to license my Service Animal?

Service animals may be licensed at no charge.

Is there a Senior Citizen discount?

The City of Omaha does not offer a Senior Citizen discount. 

What breeds require proof of insurance to license?

All owners of American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Dogo Argentinas, Cane Corsos, Presa Canarios, American Bulldogs or dogs displaying a majority of physical traits of one of more of these breeds need to provide proof of $100,000 personal liability insurance prior to licensing their pet. 

Please note:  Personal liability coverage often may be found on the declaration page of an existing homeowners or renters policy.  Please check with your insurance agent to determine if you already have liability insurance on your policy.  If so, simply submit a copy of your declaration page as proof of coverage.

Is my pet required to wear a license tag?

All dogs and cats that have not been microchipped or that have been deemed by Animal Control as “Potentially Dangerous” or “Dangerous” are required to wear a license tag on their collar.

What do I do if my pet has lost his license tag?

The cost of a replacement tag is $10.  You may request a replacement tag by coming in to the shelter, or you may send your personal information, your pet’s name and the $10 replacement fee to:

NHS Replacement Tag
8929 Fort Street
Omaha, NE  68134

Will I be charged a penalty if I do not license my pet by the March 15th deadline?

• Late license payments made March 16 through March 31 are doubled and late fees are capped at $100 per household.

• Late license payments submitted April 1 or later are subject to a $50 per pet penalty (late fees are capped at $100 per household) plus applicable license fees.

• Pet owners who do not voluntarily license could be subject to an additional $200 penalty fee.

Please note:  If your pet is not yet 4 months of age by the March 15th deadline, if you acquire a pet after the deadline or if you move to the City of Omaha after the deadline, you will not be charged a late fee for the current year.  Regular license fees will apply.

Is my license transferable?

License fees may not be transferred between owners or current pets.  However, if a licensed pet passes away and you acquire a new pet during the same licensing year, you may transfer the license to the new pet.

If you have additional questions regarding pet licensing, please contact licensing@nehumanesociety.org or call (402) 444-6716.