Waterloo 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 Waterloo?

Dog and cats

Number of Animals Allowed:

3 dogs and 5 cats

Please note: Waterloo 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.
For information and to apply for the permit, click here. 

At what age do pets need to be licensed?

All dogs and cat 4 months of age and older are required to be licensed.

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

10 days

When must New Residents license their pets?

All new residents must license their pets within 30 days of moving to Waterloo.

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?

Yes, pet owners age 65 or older may license their altered pets at no charge. Proof of senior status will be required to license at the senior rate. Although the senior license is offered free of charge, pets must be licensed every year.

Is my pet required to wear a license tag?

Dogs and cats that are not microchipped and all dogs that have been deemed “Potentially Dangerous” or “Dangerous” by Animal Control are required to wear a license tag.

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

The cost of a replacement tag is $2. 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 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 after March 15th are doubled.

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 Waterloo after the deadline, you will not be charged a late fee for the current year. Regular license fees will apply.

Is my license transferable?

No, license fees are non-transferable.

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