New Pet Registration Law for Anne Arundel County

County Executive John R. Leopold signed legislation into law Monday intended to make it more convenient for pet owners to register their pets.

The new legislation allows residents to register their pets for up to three years in addition to the yearly licensing requirement that's already in place. It also incorporates a new fee structure that provides a discount for a registration for up to three years.

“We want to make it easier and cheaper for citizens to comply with the law, which requires that all pets are registered with the County," Leopold said in a press release. “Requiring that pets be licensed helps ensure that they are properly vaccinated and also helps reunite lost pets with their owners.”

• A one-year registration for an animal that is not spayed or neutered is $15 and $4 for a pet that is spayed or neutered.
• A three-year registration for a pet that is not spayed or neutered is $40 and $10 for a pet that is spayed or neutered.

Discounts are available for senior citizens.

The county levies fines for having an unregistered pet that start at $50.

For more information, see the county's website.