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1. When do dogs need to be licensed?

When you move into Rialto or acquire a new dog, a dog license must be purchased within 30 days. Puppies must be licensed by the age of four months.

However, if you are a new resident and had your dog licensed where you used to live, you may qualify for a "transfer" license if you apply within 45 days of moving here and provide proof of the other agency’s current license. Please note that dog tag from another agency, including San Bernardino County, is not valid in Rialto.

2. How do I obtain a license for my dog?

When you apply for your dog’s license, we will need to see a current rabies vaccination certificate. If your dog has been neutered or spayed, you will receive a discount on the license, but you must present a sterility certificate at the time you apply for the license.

3. Where do I purchase a dog license?

You may apply for a dog license through the mail or in person. If you apply through the mail, be sure to send photocopies of the necessary documentation. Also, please write your California Driver’s License number on the face of your check or money order. A receipt and your dog’s tag will be mailed back to you. Please use the following address:
City of Rialto
Dog Licensing
150 S Palm Avenue
Rialto, CA 92376

4. How do I renew the dog license?

A renewal notice will be mailed to you. It is not necessary to have the notice to renew the license. If you do not receive the notice, contact the Treasurer’s Office at 909-421-7223 in order to avoid penalties. Please check the personal information on the notice to make sure it is still correct and make any corrections necessary. Note: Tags are not transferable from dog to dog or owner to owner.

Renewals may be annually, biennially, or triennially, with a 10% discount for a multi-year tag renewal, based on the rabies expiration date. The expiration date on your dog’s rabies vaccination appears on the renewal notice, under "Vaccination Expiration." Once you receive your renewal notice, check the vaccination expiration date on the notice to see when the rabies shot expires. You can only purchase a tag up to the rabies expiration date, not past it. You must submit a new rabies certificate if the rabies shot has expired or will expire within the next three months or the application cannot be accepted.

5. When do I renew my dog license?

The expiration date for the City of Rialto dog licenses is listed on your renewal notice under "License Expire." In order to avoid penalties, payments are due by the last working day of the month the license expires (postmarks are accepted).

6. What are the City's leash and cleanup laws?

The Code requires dogs to be on a leash at all times with tags attached when off their property. The leash must be held by a person capable of controlling the dog and the person must clean up all solid waste deposited by the dog.

7. What is the number of animals allowed in Rialto?

Rialto Municipal Code states any combination of animals as long as you do not exceed four animals or three dogs. That means if you have two cats, you would only be allowed to have two dogs.

8. Are some animals not allowed in Rialto?

Yes, noisy animals or fowl, such as roosters, are not allowed. Barnyard animals, such as pot bellied pigs, goats, and sheep are not allowed in residential zones. Your animals cannot disturb the peace and quiet of your neighbors.