If you have a dog or cat in Broward County, you need to know about pet registration tags.
Broward County requires dogs and cats to have and wear a Broward County Pet Rabies Registration Tag. The tag shows that your pet is registered with the County and connected to a current rabies vaccination.
It can also help get your pet home faster if they ever get lost.
Broward County's "Tags For Life" program made the tag process easier. Instead of getting a brand-new physical tag every year, your pet receives a durable tag that can stay with them. You still need to keep the registration current.
Here is what Broward dog and cat owners need to know in 2026.
What Are Broward County Pet Tags?
A Broward County pet tag is an official registration tag for your dog or cat.
It is tied to your pet's rabies vaccination and owner information. If your pet gets lost, the tag can help someone connect your pet back to you.
Broward County Animal Care says the tag is one of the best ways to help reunite lost pets with their owners. It also helps support County animal services, shelter care, medical treatment, and sterilization programs.
Do Dogs And Cats Need A Broward County Pet Tag?
Yes. Dogs and cats in Broward County need to be registered.
PetData, Broward County's pet licensing partner, says all dogs and cats 4 months of age and older must be licensed with Broward County within 30 days of being in the county.
That applies if you recently got a pet, moved into Broward County, or are a non-resident keeping a pet in Broward County for at least 3 months.
A current rabies vaccination certificate is required if the rabies vaccination on file has expired.
What Is Broward County's Tags For Life Program?
Tags For Life means your pet can keep the same physical tag.
That is the part some pet owners misunderstand.
It does not mean you pay once and your pet is registered forever. The physical tag may stay with your pet, but the registration still needs to stay current.
Think of it like a license plate. You may keep the same plate, but you still need to renew the registration.
The benefit is simple. Less tag swapping, less confusion, and a more durable way to keep your pet identified.
Broward County Pet Tag Fees For 2026
Current posted Broward County pet license fees are based on whether your pet is microchipped and whether you choose a 1-year or 3-year license.
- Microchipped pet, 1-year license: $25
- Microchipped pet, 3-year license: $65
- Non-microchipped pet, 1-year license: $55
- Non-microchipped pet, 3-year license: $145
- Late fee: $10
- Replacement tag: $10
If you purchase your tag online, PetData says a $2 convenience fee applies per transaction. Broward County also says tags bought online or through approved veterinary offices may have a service fee up to $5 per tag.
Why Microchipping Can Save You Money
Microchipping can lower the cost of your Broward County pet tag.
A microchipped pet currently costs less to register than a non-microchipped pet. For the lower fee, PetData says your pet's microchip number is required if it is not already on file.
The savings can add up, especially if you have more than one dog or cat.
Microchipping also gives your pet another layer of protection. A collar or tag can come off. A microchip stays with your pet and can help identify them if they are found by a shelter, rescue, or veterinarian.
How To Buy Or Renew A Broward County Pet Tag
You can buy or renew a Broward County pet tag online through PetData.
You may need to upload or provide required documents, including your pet's rabies vaccination certificate and microchip number if you want the lower microchipped pet fee.
You can also license your pet in person at Broward County Animal Care in Fort Lauderdale or through participating veterinary clinics.
Broward County Animal Care is located at:
2400 SW 42nd St.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Before going in person, bring your pet's rabies vaccination certificate and microchip number if applicable.
What Happens If Your Pet Gets Lost?
A current Broward County tag can help your pet get home faster.
Broward County license tags include a QR code that can help the finder of a lost pet connect with the owner. Pet owners can also activate the tag with PetHub and create a free online pet profile with updated contact information, phone numbers, email addresses, family contacts, and veterinary contacts.
That can make a big difference if your dog slips out of the yard or your cat gets outside.
A visible tag gives a neighbor, good Samaritan, or animal care officer a direct way to help.
What If Your Pet's Information Changes?
Keep your pet's information updated.
Broward County's Tag Registration Database lets pet owners look up tag information, purchase or renew a tag, and request updates to pet information.
You should update your pet's record if:
- Your pet has passed away.
- Your pet has been spayed or neutered.
- You moved out of Broward County.
- You transferred your pet to someone else.
- Your phone number or address changed.
Updated information makes the tag more useful if your pet ever gets lost.
Before You Fetch That Tag
Broward County pet tags are not just another fee. They help show that your dog or cat is registered, connected to a rabies vaccination, and easier to return home if lost.
The biggest thing to remember is this:
Tags For Life means the physical tag can stay with your pet, but the registration still needs to stay current.
If your pet is microchipped, you may qualify for the lower registration fee. If your pet is not microchipped yet, it may be worth asking your veterinarian about it.
For Broward dog and cat owners, a current tag is one of the simplest ways to protect your pet and stay in compliance with County rules.
