Does Tennessee require pet licenses?
Not at the state level. Unlike states with universal dog licensing laws, Tennessee leaves pet licensing to individual counties and municipalities. However, rabies vaccination is required statewide — under Tennessee Code Annotated §68-8-103 (accessed August 29, 2026), all dogs and cats three months of age and older must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. This vaccination is the foundation of licensing wherever it's required.
Whether your city or county requires a license depends on where you live. Here's the breakdown for Tennessee's largest municipalities:
Which Tennessee cities require pet licenses?
| City / County | License Required? | Spayed/Neutered Fee | Unaltered Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville / Davidson County | ✓ Yes — Metro Animal Care & Control | $12/year | $51/year |
| Memphis / Shelby County | ✓ Yes — Memphis Animal Services | $10/year | $50/year |
| Knoxville / Knox County | ✓ Yes — Young-Williams Animal Center | $5/year | $35/year |
| Chattanooga / Hamilton County | ✓ Yes — McKamey Animal Center | $10/year | $25/year |
| Clarksville / Montgomery County | ◐ Varies | Check locally | Check locally |
| Rural counties | ✗ Many do not require | N/A | N/A |
What you need to apply (where licensing is required)
- Current rabies vaccination certificate. Under TCA §68-8-104 (accessed August 29, 2026), the administering veterinarian must issue a numbered rabies certificate at the time of vaccination. This certificate is required for pet licensing in every Tennessee municipality that requires licenses.
- Proof of spay or neuter. The fee difference is substantial — in Nashville, it's $12 vs. $51. Bring the certificate from your vet or a letter confirming the procedure.
- Owner identification. Proof of residency in the licensing jurisdiction. Government-issued ID with your current address.
- Microchip number (recommended). Not required for licensing in most Tennessee cities, but Nashville's Metro Animal Care & Control encourages microchip registration as part of the licensing process.
How to apply: Nashville example
Nashville/Davidson County has one of the most structured licensing programs in Tennessee. Here's the process:
- Get your pet's rabies vaccination current. Visit your vet if the certificate has expired.
- Visit the Metro Animal Care & Control website — nashville.gov/departments/health/animal-care-and-control (accessed August 29, 2026) — or visit their office at 5125 Harding Place. Online licensing is available.
- Complete the application. Pet's breed, age, sex, color, and your contact information.
- Submit rabies certificate and spay/neuter proof. Online applications accept uploaded photos or scans.
- Pay the fee. Credit card online; check, cash, or card in person.
- Receive your tag. Online applicants receive tags by mail within 2–3 weeks. In-person applicants receive them immediately.
Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga follow similar processes through their respective animal services agencies.
Even without a license requirement: keep rabies proof ready
If you live in a rural Tennessee county that doesn't require pet licenses, you still need a current rabies vaccination for your dog and cat — it's state law. And even without a licensing requirement, you'll need rabies proof for:
- Boarding facilities and doggy daycares (nearly all require it)
- Groomers (many require it in Tennessee's urban and suburban areas)
- Travel — if your pet crosses state lines, a health certificate referencing current rabies vaccination is typically required
- Any animal bite incident — unvaccinated animals face quarantine under TCA §68-8-108 (accessed August 29, 2026)
Your document checklist
Last verified: August 29, 2026. Licensing requirements vary by municipality — check with your city or county animal services for current fees and deadlines.