Show All Answers

1. Does my dog need a license?

Yes. All dogs older than six (6) months of age must be licensed.

2. Does my cat need a license?

No. Current City of Chadron Ordinances only specify that dogs need to be licensed.

3. Does my dog need to be vaccinated for rabies?

Yes. All dogs six months old or older must have a current rabies vaccination before a City of Chadron dog license can be issued. Dogs younger than six months old may not obtain a city dog license.

4. Why should I license my dog?

First and foremost it is the law. It is also a great identification tag to get your lost dog back to you. There are many cases where a dog gets loose from its owner, and is able to be reunited because of the license. No dog shall be harbored, kept, or owned without displaying a valid registration tag. The law applies regardless of whether the dog is kept inside or out.

5. What if my veterinarian advises against issuing a rabies shot?

Have your veterinarian write a letter on his/her letterhead stating why the rabies shot is not advised and present it to the Chadron Police Department. Please be advised that the due date for the application remains the same.

6. How often does the license have to be renewed?

Dog licenses must be renewed annually between December 1 and January 31.

7. How much does a dog license cost?

All dogs, six (6) months old or older, are required to have a City of Chadron Dog License. Below is some helpful information regarding City of Chadron Dog Licenses.

As of September 2019 the current City of Chadron Dog License fees are as follows:

January of each year, City of Chadron Dog Licenses will be available at the following rates:

1. Altered dogs (Spay or Neutered): $5.00
2. Intact (Non-altered dogs): $15.00
3. Replacement tags, in case yours is lost, are available for one half (1/2) the original fee.

NOTE: A thirty-day grace period is also allowed for anyone who acquires a new dog, moves into the area with a dog, or has a puppy that turns six (6) months old after February 1st of each year, allowing dog owners to purchase City of Chadron Dog Licenses at the above rates.

February 1^st through December 31^st of each year, City of Chadron Dog Licenses will be available at the following rates:

1. Altered dogs (Spay or Neutered): $20.00
2. Intact (Non-altered dogs): $40.00
3. Replacement tags, in case yours is lost, are available for one half (1/2) the original fee.

You can purchase a City of Chadron Dog license at your local veterinarian or at the Chadron Police Department. Please remember the following when considering your City of Chadron Dog License:

1. Dogs under the age of six (6) months old do not require a City of Chadron Dog License.
2. When purchasing a City of Chadron Dog License, proof of Rabies vaccination is required.
3. City of Chadron Dog Licenses need to be renewed January 1st of every year.

Advantages of purchasing a City of Chadron Dog License include:

1. If your dog gets loose and is located by Animal Control, the tag number allows an easy way to locate you, the owner.
2. In the event that your dog is impounded, if you have no prior Dog at Large offenses within twelve (12) months, the impound fee will be waived. Current impound fee is $40.00.
3. It is a quick way to identify if your dog, or someone else, has a current Rabies vaccination, so if you see a Dog at Large, you will have some assurance that the dog is healthy.

8. How do I replace a lost license?

If you or your pet loses a license, you can request a duplicate tag for ½ the price of the originally issued license. If your original license was issued for an intact dog, and you have since had your dog spay or neutered, bring proof into the Chadron Police Department and a duplicate license will be issued for ½ of the discounted price for spay/neutered dogs.

9. How do I transfer a license to a new owner?

The ownership of a current dog license can be transferred to another owner. The current owner on file, or executor of the current owner's estate, must present proof of transfer of animal signed by the original owner of the animal.

10. Is there a limit to the number of dogs I am allowed to own in Chadron?

Current City of Chadron Ordinance allows a person to own three (3) dogs. You may own four (4) or more animals if you live in appropriately zoned areas in Chadron and possess a current, valid kennel license.

11. If I move here from another county (in Nebraska), is that county's current license still valid?

Yes. We will exchange your current license with a City of Chadron dog license, at no cost, and honor it for the remainder of the current year. When that license expires, on January 31st of the following year, you will need to purchase a new City of Chadron dog license.

12. If I move here from another state, is that state's license valid?

No. You are required to purchase a license immediately upon arrival. You will need to provide proof of a current, valid rabies vaccination prior to obtaining a City of Chadron dog license.

13. What if I have more questions?

If you have further questions, or if you need assistance with dog licensing, please contact the Police Department at (308) 432-0510 24 hours a day, seven days a week.