Licenses

One of the responsibilities of the Animal Management Group is to protect the public and animals in the County by ensuring that dogs, cats and ferrets are properly licensed and inoculated against rabies. AMG also issues animal holding facility licenses for grooming establishments, boarding facilities, pet shops and animal shows.

As stated in the Animal Control Ordinance, “No person shall own, keep or harbor any dog, cat or ferret over the age of four months, unless such dog/cat/ferret is licensed (SECTION 3-145). A LICENSE MUST BE OBTAINED WITHIN THIRTY DAYS AFTER RESIDENCY IS ESTABLISHED.

If you are 65 years of age or older and your pet(s) are altered with current rabies vaccination(s), you are entitled to 2 free pet licenses a year if you purchase your license(s) in person at the Prince George’s County Animal Services Facility.

The following information must be provided with a license application

• Copy of current rabies vaccination certificate;
• Copy of spay/neuter certificate (if applicable); and
• Check or money order made payable to "Prince George's County" in the appropriate amount.

Fees for dog/cat/ferret licenses

• $5 for spayed or neutered (altered) pet
• $25 for unaltered pet

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Pit Bull Licensing

In accordance with Prince George’s County Code, Section 3-185.01, no person shall own, keep, or harbor a Pit Bull Terrier within the County.  Pit Bull Terriers are defined as:

• Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed
• America Staffordshire Terrier Breed
• American Pit Bull Terrier Breed

Exceptions are allowed for any person owning a Pit Bull Terrier prior to November 1, 1996, whose dog has been continuously registered by the Administrator of Animal Control since November 1, 1996 and continuously displays a tag provided by the Administrator which readily identifies the dog as a registered Pit Bull Terrier.  The dog shall be maintained within a building or secure kennel at all times.  Whenever the dog is removed from the building or kennel, he shall be secured by an unbreakable or unseverable leash and maintained under the control of an adult.

Violations of Section 3-185.01 will result in the illegal Pit Bull Terrier being impounded, and fines up to $1,000 or a sentence of not more than six months of imprisonment against the owner.

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Holding Facilities Licenses

A valid license is required to operate all kennels, catteries, guard or sentry dog facilities, pet shops, riding schools or stables, petting zoos or grooming establishments. The fee for a guard dog license is $50 per year. Dogs being trained or used as guard dogs must be able to demonstrate obedience training and be under the control of a responsible handler when they are trained or used.

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Hobby Permits

Anyone who keeps or harbors five or more animals larger than a guinea pig over the age of four months must obtain an Animal Hobby Permit. This section does not apply to licensed animal holding facilities, licensed veterinary hospitals, circus or traveling animal exhibitions or the keeping of farm animals, fish or birds. The annual fee for an Animal Hobby Permit is $5.

Note: Animal Hobby and Animal Holding Facility Permits do not exempt the owner from licensing each animal individually. Handicap service animals may be exempt from licensing fees. Please contact AMG at (301) 780-7251 for more information.

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Purchasing Locations for Dog/Cat/Ferret Licenses (Walk-in or Mail-in)

(Please allow two weeks for processing when mailing in for a license)

Animal Management Group
Licensing Section
3750 Brown Station Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Phone: (301) 780-7251
Fax: (301) 780-7258
TDD: (301) 985-3894

(Payment by cash or Discover Card only for Animal Management Group Walk-Ins)

Walk-In Only:

(Please contact these locations for payment options and hours of operation)

Bowie Animal Control
2614 Kenhill Drive
Bowie, MD 20715
Phone: (301) 262-6200

College Park Municipal Center
4500 Knox Road
College Park, MD 20740
Phone: (301) 864-5585

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