City of Great Falls centralizes pet licensing and introduces online registration

Beginning January 1, 2025, the City of Great Falls Animal Shelter will become the sole provider of pet licenses within city limits. After consultation with veterinary clinics and animal care partners, the City has determined that centralizing the licensing process will improve accuracy, efficiency, and convenience for pet owners.

Previously, multiple external agencies and veterinary clinics assisted in issuing pet licenses. With the introduction of lifetime licenses and a new online registration option, maintaining multiple licensing locations is no longer necessary. Key enhancements include:

• Online Registration Application: Pet owners can now conveniently register their pets online at greatfallsmt.net/animalshelter/licensing. Once the application is reviewed and approved, owners will receive a link to pay the registration fee. The City will then mail the license directly to their home.
• Improve Data Quality: All license information will be entered and managed directly by the City of Great Falls Animal Shelter, ensuring consistent and accurate record-keeping.
• Streamline the Process: Pet owners can now begin their licensing application through the Animal Shelter’s website, eliminating the need for in-person trips.
• Enhance Compliance: Direct oversight by shelter staff ensures faster processing, better communication, and a straightforward licensing path for all pet owners.

As a reminder, the Official Code of the City of Great Falls 6.1.050 states:
"Any person keeping or harboring any dog over four (4) months of age must register such animal as provided for in this section. A keeper of a domestic cat over four (4) months of age must register such cat by paying a registration fee as established in this section."

For questions or additional information, please call the City of Great Falls Animal Shelter at 406-454-2276 or visit greatfallsmt.net/animalshelter.

Beginning January 1, 2025, the City of Great Falls Animal Shelter will become the sole provider of pet licenses within city limits. After consultation with veterinary clinics and animal care partners, the City has determined that centralizing the licensing process will improve accuracy, efficiency, and convenience for pet owners.

Previously, multiple external agencies and veterinary clinics assisted in issuing pet licenses. With the introduction of lifetime licenses and a new online registration option, maintaining multiple licensing locations is no longer necessary. Key enhancements include:

• Online Registration Application: Pet owners can now conveniently register their pets online at greatfallsmt.net/animalshelter/licensing. Once the application is reviewed and approved, owners will receive a link to pay the registration fee. The City will then mail the license directly to their home.
• Improve Data Quality: All license information will be entered and managed directly by the City of Great Falls Animal Shelter, ensuring consistent and accurate record-keeping.
• Streamline the Process: Pet owners can now begin their licensing application through the Animal Shelter’s website, eliminating the need for in-person trips.
• Enhance Compliance: Direct oversight by shelter staff ensures faster processing, better communication, and a straightforward licensing path for all pet owners.

As a reminder, the Official Code of the City of Great Falls 6.1.050 states:
"Any person keeping or harboring any dog over four (4) months of age must register such animal as provided for in this section. A keeper of a domestic cat over four (4) months of age must register such cat by paying a registration fee as established in this section."

For questions or additional information, please call the City of Great Falls Animal Shelter at 406-454-2276 or visit greatfallsmt.net/animalshelter.