Madera County, California

6.04.160 – License—Vaccination and license required.

The owner of each dog age four months or older in the unincorporated area of the county shall license the dog and have the dog vaccinated at the time and in the manner prescribed by this chapter. Except as provided in Section 6.04.230, it is unlawful to own, keep or control any dog unless a license has been procured as provided in this chapter. It is unlawful for any person owning, harboring, or having the care, custody or possession of any dog to keep or maintain such dog in any place in Madera County, except as provided in Section 6.04.220, unless such dog has been vaccinated as provided in this chapter. Owners of cats in the unincorporated area of the county may, but are not required to, license cats in the same manner as provided in this chapter for the licensing of dogs.

6.04.170 – Registration—Term of license.

Each new or renewal license issued shall be effective for a one-, two- or three-year period, at the option of the owner. The new or renewal license shall be issued upon payment of all required fees, charges and penalties established by resolution of the board of supervisors pursuant to Section 6.04.050, and upon compliance with all conditions required for issuance of a license. In no instance will the term of a license extend beyond the remaining term of the animal’s rabies vaccination certificate. The fee for each altered dog or cat, male or female, shall be no more than one-half the fee fixed for dogs or cats, male or female, which are not altered. A new or renewal license will have the same anniversary date as its date of issuance, for a term of up to one, two, or three years, as applicable.