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Kent County, Michigan Dog License 2026

Grand Rapids area: $10 (altered) / $15 (intact) annual fee, February 28 deadline — fees double after that date. Licenses available through area vets, township offices, and online.

📋 Kent County Dog License — Quick Facts (2026)

Annual — altered (spayed/neutered)$10.00
Annual — intact$15.00
Late fee (after Feb. 28)Fees double (altered: $20, intact: $30)
2026 deadlineFebruary 28, 2026
Age requirement4 months or older
Issuing authorityKent County Animal Control
Fees double after February 28, 2026. Michigan law requires the late fee to equal the annual fee — so an altered dog's $10 license becomes $20, and an intact dog's $15 becomes $30 after the deadline.

Kent County (Grand Rapids) Dog Licensing Overview

Kent County — encompassing Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood, and Walker — has one of the most affordable dog license fee structures in Michigan. At $10 for spayed/neutered dogs, it's among the lowest in the state. The deadline of February 28 aligns with most other Michigan counties, giving pet owners an additional month compared to Ohio's January 31 cutoff.

Licenses are available through Kent County Animal Control, participating area veterinary offices, and many township offices throughout the county during the December 1 – February 28 window. The online portal at accesskent.com handles both new registrations and renewals.

Kent County's spay/neuter discount is meaningful — the intact dog fee ($15) is 50% higher than the altered fee ($10). If your dog was recently spayed or neutered and you have not previously received the discount, bring the procedure certificate when you next renew.

Fee Schedule

License TypeOn-Time (through Feb. 28)Late (after Feb. 28)
Annual — spayed/neutered$10.00$20.00
Annual — intact$15.00$30.00
Replacement tag$5.00—

Required Documents

Where to Buy in Kent County

1

Online — accesskent.com/Health/AnimalControl/dog_licensing.htm

Kent County's online system handles renewals and new registrations. Tags mailed to your address. Service fee applies for online credit card payments.

2

At Your Veterinarian

Many Kent County veterinary practices sell dog licenses Dec 1–Feb 28. Call ahead to confirm your vet participates — some also sell year-round for new puppies receiving their first rabies vaccine.

3

Township Offices

Most township clerk offices in Kent County sell licenses during the renewal window. Check your township's website for hours and availability during December–February.

4

Kent County Animal Control

740 Fuller NE, Grand Rapids MI 49503. Walk-in licensing available during business hours. All license types available year-round for new dogs. Phone: (616) 632-7300.

FAQs — Kent County

My vet spayed my dog in October. Can I get the $10 rate when I renew in January?
Yes — bring your spay certificate to the renewal. As long as you have documentation from your veterinarian confirming the procedure, you qualify for the $10 altered rate regardless of when the procedure was done.
Does Kent County have a 3-year license option?
Kent County offers annual licenses only. For multi-year options, check whether your specific township or municipality has alternative arrangements — the county itself does not offer a 3-year tag.
I adopted a dog from the Kent County Animal Shelter. Is a license included?
Many shelter adoptions include a temporary or complimentary license as part of the adoption package. Ask the shelter at the time of adoption whether a license is included. If not, you must purchase one within 30 days. Shelter-adopted dogs are often spayed/neutered before adoption, qualifying for the $10 rate.

Official Contact: Kent County Animal Control, 740 Fuller NE, Grand Rapids MI 49503 · (616) 632-7300 · accesskent.com/Health/AnimalControl/dog_licensing.htm

Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Verify with Kent County Animal Control. Last reviewed: May 2026.
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