Does Missouri require pet licenses?
Not at the state level. Missouri's statewide animal laws are primarily governed by RSMo Chapter 322 (accessed August 30, 2026), which covers rabies control and prohibits rabid or rabies-exposed dogs from running at large. RSMo Chapter 273 (accessed August 30, 2026) governs dogs and cats more broadly, addressing liability and ownership — but neither chapter creates a statewide licensing mandate. That's left to Missouri's cities and counties.
The practical result: if you live in Kansas City or St. Louis County, you must license your pet. If you live in a rural Missouri county, you likely don't — but you still need current rabies vaccination statewide.
Which Missouri cities require pet licenses?
| City / County | License Required? | Altered Fee | Unaltered Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | ✓ Yes — KC Pet Project | ~$8/year | ~$40/year |
| St. Louis County | ✓ Yes — St. Louis County Animal Control | ~$10/year | ~$50/year |
| Springfield | ✓ Yes — Springfield-Greene County Animal Control | ~$10/year | ~$35/year |
| Columbia | ✓ Yes — Columbia Animal Control | ~$10/year | ~$30/year |
| St. Louis City | ✓ Yes — St. Louis City Animal Control | Check locally | Check locally |
| Rural Missouri counties | ✗ Many do not require | N/A | N/A |
Kansas City: how to register your pet
KC Pet Project (accessed August 30, 2026) administers pet licensing for Kansas City. Registration can be completed online or in person. KC Pet Project is an open-admission shelter and licensing center located at 7077 Elmwood Ave. Here's the process:
- Ensure rabies vaccination is current. Required statewide under RSMo Chapter 322.
- Obtain proof of spay or neuter — the fee difference is significant ($8 vs $40).
- Register online at kcpetproject.org or visit 7077 Elmwood Ave in Kansas City.
- Upload your rabies certificate and spay/neuter documentation.
- Pay the annual fee and receive your license tag.
St. Louis County: pet licensing
St. Louis County Animal Control (accessed August 30, 2026) at 14205 Minke Rd, Ellisville administers licensing for unincorporated St. Louis County. Note that St. Louis City is a separate jurisdiction from St. Louis County — if you live in the city, check with St. Louis City Animal Control. County licenses are available online and in person.
What to bring when applying
- Current rabies vaccination certificate — required statewide under RSMo Chapter 322
- Spay/neuter certificate or vet letter — to qualify for the reduced fee
- Government-issued photo ID with your current Missouri address
- Microchip number if your pet is microchipped (recommended for licensing records)
Even without a licensing requirement: rabies still matters
In rural Missouri counties without a licensing program, rabies vaccination is still required by state law. RSMo Chapter 322 covers all of Missouri. That certificate will be required for boarding, grooming, travel, and any animal control interaction.
Your document checklist
Last verified: August 30, 2026. Fees and requirements vary by jurisdiction — check with your specific city or county animal services for current amounts and deadlines.