Richland County pet registration to apply to Forest Acres pets

Richland County Animal Care provides animal control services in Forest Acres. For the first time, they are changing the requirements of pet owners in Forest Acres. All pet owners will now be required to register their pets or pet owners could face a fine.

why does Forest Acres get Animal Care services from Richland County?

Government efficiency is a top priority for the Forest Acres City Council. We pride ourselves on providing top-tier police protection and sanitation services to our citizens. It makes the most fiscal sense to maintain our intergovernmental agreement with Richland County Animal Care to provide animal control services to our city versus building a facility, buying vehicles, and employing at least two animal care officers full-time. 

In addition to the City of Forest Acres, Richland County Animal Care provides animal control services to the towns of Irmo, Blythewood, Eastover, and Arcadia Lakes. All of these municipalities are currently required to license their pets. 

Richland County has required pets to be registered for nearly 30 years. The City of Columbia also requires pets in their jurisdiction to be registered.

Why does Richland county require a pet to be registered?

Richland County Animal Care says the requirement benefits both the pet owner and animal care services.

• A pet license identifies and protects your dog or cat in case they get lost.
• A pet wearing a County tag lets the Animal Care Officer know that this dog or cat belongs to someone.
• A pet license ensures that animals are vaccinated against rabies.
• The County staff will notify you immediately to reclaim your pet.
• Your pet will get a longer care period. If your pet is registered, they can be homed at the shelter for 14 days. Stray animals are only housed for five days.
• Found pets can be reunited quickly with their owner.

what does it cost to register my pet?

The pet owner is required to show proof of rabies vaccination from a licensed veterinarian and proof of spay/neuter if applicable. Pet owners are also required to renew their licenses every year. Your pet license is good for one year. You will be notified by mail one month before your renewal date.

• The cost to license a spayed or neutered pet is $4.21
• The cost to register a fertile pet is $21.07

The fee of $4.21 may apply to fertile pets if you can provide one of the following:

• A statement from a licensed veterinarian that the animal, due to health reasons, could not withstand spay/neuter surgery.
• Proof of participation in a nationally recognized conformation or performance event within the past twelve (12) months.
• Any owner of a dog that is currently being used for hunting purposes and has properly been registered with a nationally recognized organization that sanctions hunting tests and/or field trials.  Such registration must be accompanied by proper documentation that will be required to receive this exemption.

The fine for not registering your pet in Richland County is $500.00.

how do i register my pet?

You may apply for a pet license by mail, in person, or online.

• By Mail. You can download and print out a copy of the pet license application form or you may call the Ombudsman's Office at (803) 929-6000 and request an application. Just mail your completed application with a copy of your pet’s current vaccination record and proof of spay or neuter, if applicable.

• In Person.  You can purchase your pet license in person at 400 Powell Road. Just bring a copy of your pet’s current vaccination record and proof of spay or neuter if applicable. Please bring a check or money order. Pet licensing hours are 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  For questions related to pet licensing, please contact our Pet License Specialist at (803) 576-2473.

• Online.  You can apply for your pet license online at: https://etrakit.rcgov.us/etrakit/. 
  1. You will need to select "Public" from the drop-down menu at the top of the screen.
  2. Set up an account if it is your first time and choose "apply" under the "permits" section.  Simply log in if you already have an account established. 
  3. Agree to the terms and then choose the appropriate license type (dog or cat).
  4. Fill in the remaining form fields.
  5. You will need to upload the rabies vaccination certificate for the licensed pet.
  6. Credit/Debit Card payment will be taken at the end of the process. 

What documents are required to register my pet?

The pet owner is required to show proof of rabies vaccination from a licensed veterinarian and proof of spay/neuter if applicable. Pet owners are also required to renew their licenses every year. Your pet license is good for one year. You will be notified by mail one month before your renewal date.

do Assistance Animals need to be registered?

Any owner of a dog that is trained to be an assistance dog for its owner shall be required to obtain an annual license but shall not be required to pay any license fee.  However, the owner still must provide proof of current rabies vaccinations.

Commercial Pet Breeder License Requirements

Individuals engaged or intending to engage in breeding as a business, occupation, or profession must obtain a commercial pet breeder license.  Animal Care shall conduct an annual inspection of the property to ensure that it is suitable for the applied license.

During an inspection, the officer will be looking for the following:

• Construction of pet enclosure to permit comfort throughout seasonal changes.
• Location of pet enclosures that promote easy sanitation.
• Free of accumulated feces and debris.
• Easy access to a freshwater supply and an adequate amount of food to maintain the pet’s normal health condition.
• Premises must be set up to not allow confined pets to escape or stray animals and the public to obtain entrance.
• The cost of the commercial pet breeder license is currently $105.31  Additionally, the pet breeder must comply with the pet licensing requirements for each pet that has reached 4 months of age.

Commercial Pet Breeder License Application

Penalties

The penalty in Richland County for an unlicensed pet or operating a commercial pet breeding kennel without a commercial pet breeder license is $500.00.

When is the deadline to license my pet?

The licensing portion of the intergovernmental agreement is expected to be adopted into law in Forest Acres by August. At that point pet owners would have a deadline of a few weeks to license their pet. City officials are pressing residents not to delay and to begin licensing their pets as soon as possible.