Pet Licensing

Dog, Cats and Mini Pigs

3 dogs, 5 cats and 2 mini pigs

Please note: Omaha residents may apply for a pet avocation permit which allows up to 5 dogs and up to 6 cats – but no more than 8 pets total. See permit information on next tab.

The Pet Avocation permit was designed to allow those who are responsible pet owners in Omaha and Waterloo to have up to 5 dogs and up to 6 cats, but no more than eight pets total.

Bellevue residents may apply for a pet avocation permit which allows up to 5 dogs and up to 5 cats – but no more than 6 pets total - unless they have a kennel, pre-existing cattery permit or commercial cattery permit.

If you would like to apply for a Pet Avocation permit, you must:

1.  Pay a one time inspection fee of $100. *Please note this fee is non-refundable once the inspection has been completed.
*This can be done online through the link below, in-person at NHS or by mail delivered to 8929 Fort Street, Omaha, NE, 68134 (attn: Pet Avocation Permits)

2. Fill out an application. This needs to be done prior to the inspection.

3.  Schedule the inspection when contacted by the Animal Control Officer  This could take up to four weeks depending on demand. Because ACOs are responding to emergency calls, applicants must provide a four-hour window for inspections, which can be on any day excluding Sundays and holidays. 

4.  Meet the requirements of the inspection and comply with all city ordinances relating to the animals (see standards below)

5.  You contacted annually to renew your permit. It is your responsibility to pay the annual renewal fee of $50. Click here to renew.

While you hold a Pet Avocation permit, should you be found guilty of any violation of Chapter 6, the permit will be revoked.  Avocational premises shall be maintained with clean and safe conditions at all times.  The Nebraska Humane Society has the right to inspect such premises and all the animals therein at reasonable hours to ascertain that the premises are kept in the aforementioned condition and meet prescribed standards.

Standards for a Pet Avocation permit:

• All animals owned, kept, possessed or harbored under a Pet Animal Avocation permit must be licensed as required by Chapter 6.  Proof of individual license on each animal must be provided at time of inspection.
• All animals owned, kept, possessed or harbored under a Pet Animal Avocation permit must be vaccinated against rabies.  Proof of individual rabies vaccinations on each pet must be provided at the time of inspection.
• Each animal shall, at least every 24 hours, receive food suitable for the species, physical condition and safe - sufficient to maintain adequate level of nutrition.
• Must have clean, fresh, potable water available at all times.
• Indoor housing shall provide adequate ventilation, lighting temperature control and construction so as to provide for the safety and comfort of the animals.
• Each animal shall receive care and medical treatment for debilitating injuries, parasites, and disease sufficient to maintain the animal in good health and to minimize suffering.
• Animals shall be maintained predominantly indoors.
• Premises where an avocational permit include dogs shall provide a fenced enclosure sufficient to contain any dogs while outside.
• All areas of premises inspected for Pet Avocation permit shall be made open and available for inspection by the Nebraska Humane Society.

Apply for Permit

Renew Permit

All dogs, cats and mini pigs must be licensed at 4 months of age.

30 days

All new residents must license their pets within 30 days of moving to the City of Omaha.

Veterinary proof of current rabies vaccination is required to license all cats and dogs.  

Please note:  Owners may pay the licensing fee prior to obtaining a current rabies vaccination for their pet.  However, the actual license tag (if a new pet) or validation letter will not be given to the owner until proof of current rabies vaccination is received.  Owners have 30 days after paying the license fee to vaccinate their pet and provide appropriate rabies documentation to NHS or the late fee will apply.

Pet licenses are due January 1 and are delinquent after March 15 of each year.

Dog License Fees:
$54.50 Intact/ $29.50 altered*

Cat License Fees:
$54.50 Intact/ $16.50 Altered*

Mini Pig Licensing Fees:
$35

*Veterinary proof of spay/neuter is required to license at the lower rate.

Service animals may be licensed at no charge.

The City of Omaha does not offer a Senior Citizen discount. 

All owners of American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Dogo Argentinas, Cane Corsos, Presa Canarios, American Bulldogs or dogs displaying a majority of physical traits of one of more of these breeds need to provide proof of $100,000 personal liability insurance prior to licensing their pet. 

Please note:  Personal liability coverage often may be found on the declaration page of an existing homeowners or renters policy.  Please check with your insurance agent to determine if you already have liability insurance on your policy.  If so, simply submit a copy of your declaration page as proof of coverage.

All dogs and cats that have not been microchipped or that have been deemed by Animal Control as “Potentially Dangerous” or “Dangerous” are required to wear a license tag on their collar.

The cost of a replacement tag is $10.  You may request a replacement tag by coming in to the shelter, or you may send your personal information, your pet’s name and the $10 replacement fee to:

NHS Replacement Tag
8929 Fort Street
Omaha, NE  68134

• Late license payments made March 16 through March 31 are doubled and late fees are capped at $100 per household.

• Late license payments submitted April 1 or later are subject to a $50 per pet penalty (late fees are capped at $100 per household) plus applicable license fees.

• Pet owners who do not voluntarily license could be subject to an additional $200 penalty fee.

Please note:  If your pet is not yet 4 months of age by the March 15th deadline, if you acquire a pet after the deadline or if you move to the City of Omaha after the deadline, you will not be charged a late fee for the current year.  Regular license fees will apply.

License fees may not be transferred between owners or current pets.  However, if a licensed pet passes away and you acquire a new pet during the same licensing year, you may transfer the license to the new pet.