Pinellas County Animal Services (PCAS) would like to take this opportunity to inform you of our “Tag for Life” concept.  Beginning January 1, 2009, the “County License Tags” issued during the year will be good for that pet for their lifetime.  In other words, that license tag number will be the pet’s number for its lifetime – like its own social security number.  PCAS will continue to send out renewals to pet owners, and they will be required to renew their pet’s license when the rabies vaccination expires, but a new tag will not be required after 2009.  If a lifetime license tag is misplaced or lost the client should be directed to Animal Services for a replacement tag (with the same number) that we will provide for a nominal fee.  This can be done in person or via regular mail.

Another change for 2009 concerns the cost of the license. As of January 1, 2009 all county licenses (no matter the date of expiration) will cost $10.00. Again, the expiration of the license will correspond to the rabies vaccination expiration date.

Rabies tags will be handled as they always have been handled.  The rabies tags are only intended to be a temporary tag, and owners should be made aware that they are not issued in lieu of a pet license.

This will save Pinellas County taxpayers quite a bit of money as well, as it will reduce the number of tags purchased and distributed.  In addition, this will also serve you in not having to account for so many tags issued and not sold in any given year.

Fee Schedule for Licenses:
1-Year	$10
3-Year	$10

Pinellas County has more dogs and cats licensed and vaccinated for rabies than any other Florida County. This provides the first line of defense against rabies, and it results in more animals being reunited with their owners than in any other Florida County. For more information contact Dr. Welch Agnew at 727-582-2600.