Tiffin pet licensing
Why license?
In accordance with state and local laws, pet licenses are mandatory in the City of Tiffin. In fact, licenses are mandatory in nearly every community across North America. Why? Because licenses help keep pets and the communities they live in safe. DocuPet was brought on board to simplify and improve pet licensing to benefit not only pet owners like you, but the entire community. DocuPet makes it easy for the City of Tiffin to deliver a successful pet licensing program with a streamlined software and management solution that makes licensing a breeze for pet owners and administrators alike.
What will you need?
Licensing your pet will require specific information and proof. Having these items at the ready allows for the fastest experience. You have the option to upload a document as a saved or scanned file, or you may take a photo directly from your device on our upload page.
Payment
We securely process payment online and accept all major credit and debit cards as forms of payment.
Documents
Spay/Neuter proof
This document is required to qualify for the discounted rate and is only needed once and will be saved to your pet’s profile upon upload for future renewals. This proof declaring that your pet has been spayed or neutered may be in the form of a statement or receipt from the veterinarian, shelter, or clinic that performed the procedure.
Rabies vaccination proof
This document serves as formal proof that your pet has received a rabies vaccination. This document may be in the form of a Rabies Vaccination Certificate that has been signed by a veterinarian or certified professional. It is the law that pets must be up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations, so new documents will need to be uploaded to your pets profile as they receive their booster shots.
How to license
Online
The fastest and easiest way to license or renew is right here. You'll create a profile for your pet, upload any necessary documents, process your license registration, and receive purchase confirmations via email. Payment can be made using a credit card or Visa/Mastercard debit card. Each year, you just need to log in to your existing account and renew - it's super easy!
License a pet for the first time
I've never licensed a pet with the City of Tiffin before.
License nowIn-person
In person licensing is available at the following location(s) however it's important to know you will still receive your tag in the mail:
Don't forget to check hours of operation, appointment policies, and accepted payment methods prior to heading out.
Tiffin City Hall
300 Railroad St, Tiffin, IA 52340
If you opt to license via snail mail - keep in mind processing your registration will take a lot longer!
Make sure you complete the below form in full and that it is free of any errors otherwise your registration may not be successfully processed. The fine print is there for a reason so keep an eye out for accepted payment methods, who the check should be made out to, where it should be mailed, and any required supporting documentation.
Pet license form (English)
Formulario de licencia para mascotas (Español)
Phone
If you're unable to complete your pet's license online, you can contact our Customer Care team for assistance. Please note that licenses are primarily designed to be completed online, and phone support is intended for troubleshooting or special circumstances.
You must have up-to-date spay/neuter or rabies documentation on file. We can accept credit cards and Visa/Mastercard debit cards for payment.
DocuPet Customer Care: 1-877-239-6072
Hours of Operation:Monday-Saturday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM CST (excluding holidays)Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM CST
License fees & details
Pet licenses are required for all dogs and cats living in the City of Tiffin. Licenses are available for 1 year terms and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.
| Dog Licenses | 1 Year Fee |
|---|---|
| Altered Dog | $15.00 |
| Unaltered Dog | $30.00 |
| Cat Licenses | 1 Year Fee |
|---|---|
| Altered Cat | $15.00 |
| Unaltered Cat | $30.00 |
- A replacement tag is available free of charge.
- A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificate at the time of purchase.
- A spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.
- A late fee of $10.00 will apply 60 days following license expiration.
- Licenses are required for all pets over 7 months of age.
- Residents of the City of Tiffin are allowed to own a maximum of three dogs and three cats.
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
I live outside the City of Tiffin but would like to use the dog park located off Kimberlite St in City Park. What do I do?
If you live outside city limits and wish to use the dog park, please contact the City of Tiffin directly at (319) 545-2572 for further instructions on how to purchase and receive access.
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 does my pet's license expire?
Licenses expire exactly 365 days from the license start 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. Rabies must be valid during the time of renewal.
Where can I license in person?
You may license in person at Tiffin City Hall located at 300 Railroad St, Tiffin, IA 52340.
I purchased the license rate that includes the Annual Dog Park Pass. What happens next?
The City of Tiffin will contact you directly within one week of purchase with details on how to access and use the dog park.
I already have a valid City of Tiffin license but would now like to purchase the Annual Dog Park Pass. What do I do?
If you are a City of Tiffin resident, you can purchase the Annual Dog Park Pass in person at Tiffin City Hall, 300 Railroad St, Tiffin, IA 52340.
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.
What is the refund policy on licenses?
No refunds are provided on licenses purchased regardless of circumstances.
How old does my pet need to be for me to license them?
All pets over the age of 7 months are required to be licensed.
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 (e.g., type St instead of Street.) You may contact DocuPet Customer Care directly for assistance if you believe you reside within the licensing jurisdiction but your address is not being accepted by the system.
FEES AND FINES
My pet is a service animal. Do I qualify for a discounted license rate?
No, service animals are subject to the standard license fee.
What is the processing fee?
For all online orders a processing fee is applied on license purchases at a rate of 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
Is there a discount for licensing multiple pets?
No, there is no discount for licensing multiple pets. Each pet will be charged the appropriate licensing fee.
My pet has been spayed/neutered since I last purchased their pet license. How do I qualify for the discounted rate?
As 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, you will be eligible to receive the new discounted rate. Otherwise, you can visit Tiffin City Hall in person and show proof of spay/neuter there.
Why am I being charged a late fee?
Late fees come into effect if a license is not renewed within 60 days of the original expiration date.
My pet is altered, why is the system showing the unaltered license fee?
Until we receive proof of sterilization, the system defaults to the unaltered license fee. Once you upload the required documentation, your pet’s sterilization status will be updated and the correct fee will be applied. If you need more time to locate the paperwork, a 60 day temporary license at the altered rate can be issued to give you extra time to upload the document.
ACCOUNT UPDATES
How do I notify DocuPet that my pet has passed away?
We're sorry for your loss. You can update a pet's profile via your online account by editing your pet's profile and selecting 'Remove this Pet'.
My pet is no longer with me, but I’m still receiving renewal reminders?
We’re sorry! Unfortunately, unless you update your account to reflect that a pet is no longer in your care, we have no way of knowing. Have you already told us? You may have a duplicate account. Get in touch with your licensing organization or our DocuPet customer service team to update your record.
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 Tiffin City Hall in person at 300 Railroad St, Tiffin, IA 52340, and staff will be able to assist you.
Will my pet receive a new free tag with every order?
No, each pet will only receive one free tag with their first license via DocuPet. This tag doesn’t expire. If you’ve already received a DocuPet tag, your furry friend is good to go! If you’d like a new tag, you can purchase a standard replacement tag or a new designer tag during the license order process or in our store.
CITY INFORMATION AND CITY ORDINANCES
Where can I find information about the pet licensing ordinance/bylaw?
Visit this page for information on licensing ordinances/bylaws.
Is there a limit to the number of pets I'm allowed to have?
You are allowed a maximum of 3 dogs and 3 cats per dwelling.
What species are required to be licensed?
The following species are required to be licensed: Dogs and Cats.
Who do I call if there’s an emergency involving dogs? (dog attack, loose dog, etc.)
Please get in touch with the City of Tiffin at (319) 545-2572.
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.
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.