AFV announces new online pet licensing services

Animal Friends of the Valleys (AFV) has a new service that allows pet owners to purchase and renew their pet’s license online.

To complete the online licensing process owners must include proof of current rabies vaccinations and spay/neuter if applicable, which can be downloaded to the site. The site also allows owners to upload updated photos of their pets.

To use this service, visit animalfriendsofthevalleys.com and click on the “Licensing” link at the tope of the page. Those needing assistance in the process are asked to call 951-674-0618 and speak with a representative in the licensing department.

To purchase or renew licenses in person, visit AFV, 33751 Mission Trail, Wildomar, Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. or on Saturday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Proof of a current rabies certificate by a veterinarian or clinic and a certificate of spay/neuter (if applicable) are required. A license expiration date will be aligned with the pet’s rabies vaccination expiration date (unless the expiration of the current rabies vaccine extends beyond the license term purchased). Failure to license your animal may incur other costs and additional late fees.

Licensing fees at AFV are as follows:

1 year–altered dog: $15; unaltered dog $50
2 year–altered dog: $20; unaltered dog $100
3 year–altered dog: $25; unaltered dog $150

In accordance with Canyon Lake ordinances and state law, all dogs four months and older must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. All dogs must be vaccinated against rabies before they can be licensed.
It also requires that all dogs be licensed inside of the city they reside. Residents can get a rabies vaccine from a local veterinarian or at AFV’s low cost clinic.

At this time, AFV’s clinic is offering rabies vaccinations for only $6.00. The clinic is located at 29001 Bastron Ave., Lake Elsinore, and is open Monday through Friday.

The first rabies vaccine is given at 16 weeks, if adult teeth are present, up to one year of age. This vaccination is good for 1 year. Then, re-vaccination is required. Every rabies vaccine after the first is good for 3 years.

A rabies tag is separate from a license tag. The issuer of the rabies tag will not license your pet. It is the owner’s responsibility to license their pet with the City via AFV.

Riverside County is a declared rabies area. Rabies vaccination of dogs (a prerequisite for licensing) has been highly effective as an animal and public health measure, and is especially important in areas where the potential threat of exposure to rabies from wildlife is a significant concern.

Although micro chipping is not a requirement, it is highly recommended. Canyon Lake and AFV have partnered to offer Canyon Lake residents $5 microchips for their pets while funds are available. Residents should go to the AFV shelter, not the clinic, for microchips.
AFV provides animal services to the cities of Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, Wildomar, Menifee, Murrieta, and Temecula. For more information, contact AFV licensing and citation clerks at 951-674-0618, ext. 212 or 213, or visit www.animalfriendsofthevalleys.com.