Delaware Makes It Easier to Keep Track of Your Dog with New Online Licensing System

If you’ve ever had a dog slip out the front door or dig under the backyard fence, you know the panic that follows. Now, Delaware is rolling out a new way to help bring your lost pup home—and it’s easier than ever.

The Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) has partnered with DocuPet, a well-known pet licensing and recovery platform, to launch a brand-new online dog licensing system. The goal? Make it simple for dog owners to stay in compliance with state laws, while also giving them a better chance of reuniting with their furry friends if they ever go missing.

Here’s How It Works

Once you register your dog with DocuPet, you’ll get a uniquely coded ID tag that connects to your dog’s secure online profile. This isn’t just any tag—it’s linked to a system designed to help your lost dog find their way back home.

• If your dog goes missing, you can create a Lost Pet Report instantly.

• If someone finds your dog, they can use the tag’s code to quickly file a Found Pet Report.

• 24/7 live dispatch support is available to help reunite pets and owners any time of day or night.

It’s modern pet safety with a personal touch.

Why This Matters

“This program is about more than just following the rules—it’s about public safety and keeping pets out of shelters,” said Christina Motoyoshi, Director of the Office of Animal Welfare. “When your dog is licensed, it’s much more likely to get back home if something goes wrong.”

Licensing also helps support vital services like:

• Animal cruelty investigations

• Rabies response

• Dog control and public safety efforts

What Delaware Dog Owners Need to Know

• All dogs in Delaware over six months old must be licensed and have proof of rabies vaccination.

• Late fees are waived through July 15, 2025 to help pet owners catch up.

• Existing licenses are still valid until they expire.

• Owners can now choose between standard and designer ID tags,

Register your pet or learn more at DocuPet’s Delaware page.

A Smart Move for Pet Owners—and Pets

This new platform isn’t just about convenience. It’s about keeping Delaware dogs safe, reducing the strain on shelters, and giving families peace of mind.

The system is backed by Delaware Animal Services (DAS)—the same team responsible for animal law enforcement across the state. And with DocuPet already helping over 180 communities across North America, Delaware dog owners now have access to a proven, pet-friendly program.

So if you’ve been putting off updating your dog’s license, now’s the time to make it right—with less hassle and more help when you need it most.