Moving With Pets in San Diego County
If you move into San Diego County with a dog, you have 30 days to license it with your new jurisdiction. Never put pets in the moving truck: California law bars leaving an animal in a vehicle where heat or lack of ventilation endangers it.
Facts checked November 6, 2026. Independent guide; not a moving company.
Who licenses dogs in San Diego County?
It depends on where you live. San Diego Humane Society licenses dogs for the City of San Diego and cities including Carlsbad, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Oceanside, Poway, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach and Vista. The County Department of Animal Services handles unincorporated areas. Chula Vista, Coronado, Lemon Grove and National City license separately.
Both the County and the Humane Society require a license within 30 days of moving in, with proof of rabies vaccination. Fees start at $20 a year for a spayed or neutered dog. Cats don't need a license.
Can you bring a dog back from Mexico?
Yes. Mexico isn't on the CDC's high-risk rabies list, so a dog entering the U.S. needs a free CDC Dog Import Form receipt, an ISO-compatible microchip, and must be at least six months old and appear healthy. That applies to U.S. dogs returning from a trip, too.
How do you keep pets safe on moving day?
Keep pets in a closed room or with a friend while doors are open, and carry them in your own vehicle. California Penal Code §597.7 makes it illegal to leave an animal unattended in a vehicle where heat, cold or lack of ventilation endangers it. Inland San Diego County averages highs near 89°F in August.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to license my dog after moving to San Diego?
30 days, under both County and San Diego Humane Society rules.
Do cats need a license in San Diego?
No. San Diego Humane Society says cats don't need a license.
What does a dog need to cross back from Tijuana?
A CDC Dog Import Form receipt, a microchip, and to be at least six months old and healthy.