DHSS Press Release

OFFICE OF ANIMAL WELFARE INTRODUCES NEW DOG LICENSING PROGRAM

DOVER, Del. (April 9, 2025) - The Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) is partnering with DocuPet, an online pet registration provider, to open their new and modernized dog licensing and complimentary HomeSafe 24/7 lost pet service to Delaware dog owners starting today. This user-friendly platform will offer a more convenient and accessible way for owners to register their pets, with the added benefit of keeping lost dogs out of shelters and helping return them home safely.

Owners who license their dogs on the DocuPet platform will receive their assigned tag with a unique code that links directly to a dog's secure online profile. Anyone who finds a lost pet can reference the code, which will be able to create a Found Pet Report in seconds. Owners can also create Lost Pet Reports as soon as they realize their pet has gone missing. Additionally, DocuPet's dedicated dispatch staff is available 24/7 to reunite lost pets with their families around the clock.

Licensing dogs in Delaware is legally required for all dogs six months of age or older and requires a valid rabies vaccination. To encourage compliance, as part of the new partnership, the state is waiving late fees for expired licenses until July 15, 2025. Current licenses will remain active until their expiration date.

"Our new partnership with DocuPet will be extremely valuable to dog owners and necessary for animal safety within the state," said Christina Motoyoshi, director of OAW. "Licensing your dog helps reduce the number of animals in shelters, freeing up space and resources for pets in need. Licensing also helps to ensure public safety and support critical animal services to our community. We're excited for residents to take advantage of this program to help keep their own pets and others in the community safe."

Pet owners can learn more and register pet licenses online at stateofdelaware.docupet.com. Owners can select a standard tag or upgrade and choose from hundreds of colorful and unique designer tag styles online or design their own tags with an easy-to-use customization tool. Use code LICENSES to get $5 off a designer tag. For pet licensing questions, visit animalservices.delaware.gov.

About the Office of Animal Welfare
The Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) protects the health, safety, and welfare of companion animals, and promotes the human-animal bond in the state of Delaware. An agency of the Division of Public Health, the OAW coordinates programs and policies that promote animal welfare, protect pets and people, and reduce pet homelessness. Delaware Animal Services (DAS) is the community service and enforcement unit under OAW that works to ensure the health and safety of animals, people and the community. DAS enforces dog control, animal cruelty and rabies control in the state.

About DocuPet provides the most advanced pet licensing program in North America, driving ordinance compliance while reducing costs and providing new value to pet owners. DocuPet launched its first municipal pet licensing program in 2014. Since that time, the company has partnered with more than 180 communities. For more information, please visit DocuPet.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.