Sioux Falls changes approach to pet licenses

Dog and cat owners in Sioux Falls now can register their pets online.

The city has partnered with online pet registration company DocuPet to offer the service.

Pets can be registered in person at the Law Enforcement Center, 320 W. Fourth St., but registration no longer is offered through veterinary clinics.

The DocuPet system offers several features, including a 24/7 pet recovery system.

“A lot of people may not know that the city of Sioux Falls does require pets to be licensed via city ordinance,” said Sgt. Aaron Benson of the Police Department. “So if your dog or cat is 6 months or older, it must be vaccinated for rabies and also licensed in the city.”

The cost to license a spayed or neutered dog or cat is $5 for one year or $15 for three years. If the pet is not spayed or neutered, the cost is $25 per year or $75 for three years.

Once registration is completed, a tag is mailed to the owner, and an online profile for the pet is created.

There is a $107.50 fine for unlicensed pets.

“Licensing does matter,” Benson said. “The pet reunification provided with this service is very beneficial. It also leads to a safer community for animals being vaccinated and licensed.”