Louisiana Dog License Requirements

Updated October 13, 2026 · 2 min read · 2 sources

Short answer

Louisiana does not have one statewide license program, but parishes and municipalities that levy a dog fee must issue a metal tag and certificate (La. R.S. 3:2772). Fees are capped at $10 for spayed or neutered dogs and $20 for unaltered dogs, and licenses are due each year on the anniversary of the dog's rabies vaccination.

Louisiana does not run a single statewide licensing program, but state law lets counties or cities require dog licenses, and many do.

Louisiana dog license at a glance

Question Answer
Statewide dog license? No; parish and municipal
Fee cap $10 altered; $20 unaltered (3:2772(B))
Due date Anniversary of rabies vaccination (3:2776)
Age Owner liable once dog is 6 months
Penalty Up to $500 and/or 6 months (3:2772(J))

What Louisiana law says

  • La. R.S. 3:2772(A): parishes or municipalities that levy a fee issue a metal tag and certificate.
  • Annual fees are set by ordinance, capped at $10 for spayed/neutered and $20 for unaltered dogs.
  • Licenses are due on the anniversary of the rabies vaccination; the owner is liable once the dog reaches 6 months (3:2776).
  • Guide and hearing dogs may be licensed without a fee.

How to find out if your Louisiana city or county requires a license

  1. Check your city or county animal services or animal control website; it usually lists license rules and fees.
  2. If you live outside city limits, check the county rules, which can differ from the city's.
  3. Have your rabies certificate ready; local licenses almost always require proof of rabies vaccination.
  4. Ask whether a microchip, spay/neuter proof or a multi-year license lowers the fee.

Licenses, rabies shots and microchips

Dog licenses and rabies vaccination usually go together: the license office or the veterinarian checks the rabies certificate before a tag is issued. See Louisiana rabies vaccination laws for the required age and booster rules. A license tag helps animal control return a lost dog quickly, and a microchip is a permanent backup if the collar comes off.

What happens if your dog is not licensed?

Where a local license is required, an unlicensed dog found at large can be picked up by animal control, and getting it back usually means paying impound fees and buying the license. Penalties are listed above where the state statute sets them; local ordinances often add their own fines. Leash and at-large rules are covered in Louisiana leash laws.

Sources

  1. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: Louisiana dog laws
  2. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: Table of state rabies vaccination laws

Find help near you in Louisiana

Popular cities: Slidell · Lafayette · Shreveport · Prairieville · Bossier City · Leesville · Lake Charles · Sulphur · Hammond · Monroe · Eunice · Minden

This page summarizes state statutes for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and cities and counties often add their own rules; check the current statute and your local ordinance, or ask a licensed attorney about your situation.

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