Southeast Area Animal Control Authority pet licensing
Frequently asked questions
HELP DESK
Still have a question that you have not been able to answer?
Visit our Help Desk for more information: https://docupetinc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us
LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS
Why does my pet's license expire on their rabies vaccination expiration date?
As per California State law, a pet license may not be valid at anytime a pet's rabies vaccination is expired.
When does my pet's license expire?
Licenses expire at the end of the 1 year term unless your pet's current rabies vaccination expiration date falls prior to the end of the term. A license cannot be valid at any time a pet's rabies is expired. If you provide new proof of rabies expiration extending beyond the original term selected prior to the license expiration date, your pet's license may be extended to the full term originally selected.
If I am a resident of Downey who is handicapped or a low income senior citizen how do I qualify for a discounted fee?
To qualify a senior citizen must be 62 or older and have a household income within the poverty threshold established by the federal government. Copies of proof of income must be provided.
For handicapped persons, the individual must provide confirmation of handicapped status as determined by a physician licensed to practice in California. Handicapped persons have no income requirement to quality for the discount.
How old does my pet need to be for me to license them?
All pets over the age of 4 months are required to be licensed.
When does my pet's temporary license expire?
Temporary licenses expire after 60 days. To convert a temporary license into a full license you must provide new proof of rabies vaccination prior to the temporary license expiration date. If the newly provided rabies expiration date falls prior to the term end, the new license expiration date will be the same as the rabies vaccination expiration date.
When can I renew my pet's license?
You may renew your pet's license within 60 days of your pet's current license expiration date. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new license will start the day after expiration, not on the date of purchase.
PROGRAM AND PARTNERSHIP
Why does the system say my address is not valid?
You may have entered your address incorrectly or we may not have your address in the address database for your community. Please double-check all spelling and ensure you are using the abbreviated form for your street type ex. St instead of Street. You may contact SEAACA directly if you believe you reside within their jurisdiction but your address is not being accepted by the system.
FEES AND FINES
Why am I being charged a late fee?
License fees are subject to a penalty if any person fails to pay the required dog license renewal fee within thirty (30) days of its due date or if any person fails to contain an original license within thirty (30) days after owning any dog or any dog coming into their care, custody, and control. You may be charged retroactive license fees and late fees if you do not license your pet on time.
What is the processing fee?
A processing fee of $2.00 per license product applies to all online orders.
My pet qualifies for the service animal rate. What do I do?
Please visit SEAACA in person to discuss.
My pet has been spayed/neutered since I last purchased their pet license. How do I qualify for the discounted rate?
If your community requires proof of spay/neuter for your pet in order to receive a discounted licensing rate, you will need to upload the appropriate documentation stating that your pet has been spayed/neutered to your online account. Once the documentation has been approved by SEAACA, you will be eligible to receive the new discounted rate. Otherwise, you can email your document to petlicense@seaaca.org or visit SEAACA in person at 9777 Seaaca Street, Downey, CA 90241 and show proof of spay/neuter there.
What is the senior citizen age requirement?
Senior citizen ages vary by community. You must be 55 or older to qualify in Buena Park and La Palma. You must be 60 or older to qualify in Bellflower, South El Monte, and South Gate. You must be 62 or older to qualify in Bell Gardens, Downey, Montebello, Paramount, and Pico Rivera. In South Gate and La Palma your pet must be spayed/neutered to receive the senior rate. There are no senior rates for Lakewood.
ACCOUNT UPDATES
Does my license transfer if I am moving?
If you are moving, please be sure to update your address by logging into your online account and navigating to your Profile Settings page. Even though you are moving, you’ll still be able to keep your pet's tag and access your pet's online account. However, your current license may not be valid in the new community you are moving to. Please get in touch with the pet licensing provider in the new community you are moving to in order to find out more information.
TAGS
How do I receive my tag if I don't have a current address?
Please visit in person at SEAACA located at 9777 Seaaca Street, Downey, CA 90241 and they will be able to assist you.
CITY INFORMATION AND CITY ORDINANCES
Who do I call if there’s an emergency involving dogs? (dog attack, loose dog, etc.)
Please get in touch with SEAACA at (562) 803-3301.
DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
Why do I have to upload a rabies and spay/neuter document for my pet?
To license your pet, you will be required to show proof that the pet's rabies vaccination is current. Documentation is also required to verify that a pet has been spayed or neutered and must be provided in order to receive the discounted rate. Requiring documentation ensures that provided pet information is accurate, which is critical for identification and safety reasons.
My pet is rabies exempt, what do I do?
You will need to complete the required paperwork linked below. You can have your vet fill out the form and submit it to the Health Department.
What documentation is required to purchase a license?
A valid rabies proof is required to purchase a pet license. A 60 day temporary license may be issued if you do not have rabies proof at the time of licensing. Proof of spay/neuter is required to receive the discounted altered rates.
How long does it take for my pet’s documents to be reviewed?
Documentation uploaded via the online system is reviewed within two to three business days.
I just adopted my pet, but the information on the rabies vaccination certificate does not match my information. What should I do?
If the rabies vaccination certificate does not match your information because the pet was adopted, we recommend contacting Southeast Area Animal Control Authority directly so their team can review and approve the documentation. We suggest reaching out to confirm that you have all required documentation, which may include adoption paperwork, in order to license your pet.
What are acceptable documentation types?
A rabies proof is required to prove that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies. A rabies proof identifying your pet as spayed/neutered or a spay/neuter proof may be accepted as documentation of sterilization.
Can I still license my pet if I don’t have the required documentation?
Yes! A temporary license can be issued while you gather your documents. Just follow one of the licensing methods listed above to get started. Please note that proof must be submitted before the temporary license expires, otherwise a new license will need to be purchased.
Where can I obtain a copy of my pet’s rabies or spay/neuter document?
If you can’t locate the document you received after the procedure was done, you will need to contact your vet to obtain your pet's records. Be sure to specify any and all pets you require documentation for.
Once you’ve got the paperwork in your hands, take a look to ensure:
- The document provided is the right type of proof required.
- Pet and pet owner account data matches your own.
- The document is clear and legible.

