Residents of City of Columbia and Richland County are required to license ALL pets annually. Failure to do so can result in a maximum fine of $200 or 30 days in jail.
To obtain a license, owners must give proof of rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccination is required by state law and failure to do so can result in a $200 fine.
Owners with more than three (3) dogs are required to have a kennel license.
City of Columbia and Richland County Pet Licensing Fees | City | County | |
Sterilized pet | $5.00 | $4.14 | |
Unsterilized pet | $25.00 | $20.73 | |
Dogs assisting with handicap* | Free | Free | |
Participated in 3 nationally recognized obedience trials or conformation shows in the past 12 months* | $5.00 | $4.14 | |
Not spayed/neutered due to medical reasons* | $5.00 | $4.14 |
*Owner must provide proof.
The City of Columbia now allows residents to have up to four hens. (No roosters.) Hens must be licensed; the fee is $5 per hen.
Payments cannot be made online.
For more information on payment methods, please contact the Columbia Animal Shelter at 803-776-PETS (7387) or visit their office at 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC 29209.
Differential licensing programs encourage the following:
- Vaccination for rabies as required by state law
- Neutering/spaying of pets
- Reduce the stray and unwanted animal population
- Minimize the amount of tax dollars used for animal control costs
