Pet Licensing – Tippecanoe County
How to Get a Rabies Tag, Licensing Requirements, Providers, and Local Contacts
Overview
In Tippecanoe County, all dogs, cats, and ferrets 3 months and older must be kept current on their rabies vaccination. Once your pet is vaccinated, the veterinarian or approved provider issues a County Rabies Tag.
This tag must be worn by the animal and serves as proof of vaccination.
Most licensing in Tippecanoe County is handled through veterinary clinics, not the county itself.
What You Need
To license your pet, you must provide:
-
Proof of current rabies vaccination
-
Your pet’s name, age, breed, sex, and color
-
Your name, address, and phone number
-
Payment for the tag (fees vary by clinic)
Tags are valid for one year and must be renewed.
Where to Get a Rabies Tag (Verified Providers)
These locations issue Tippecanoe County Rabies Tags. Call ahead to confirm pricing and availability.
Turfway Animal Clinic
Still listed as a county tag provider — call to confirm availability.
Address: 2641 Maple Point Dr, Lafayette, IN 47905
Phone: 765-447-2219
Purdue University Small Animal Hospital
Offers rabies vaccinations; ask about county tags during appointment.
Address: 625 Harrison St, West Lafayette, IN 47907
Phone: 765-494-1107
VCA Lafayette Animal Hospital
Provides vaccinations and may provide tags depending on stock. Call first.
Address: 3532 South St, Lafayette, IN 47905
Phone: 765-447-5211
Pets & Vets Animal Clinic
Address: 3810 State Road 38 E, Lafayette, IN 47905
Phone: 765-447-5227
Wildcat Creek Veterinary Clinic
Address: 125 S Earl Ave, Lafayette, IN 47904
Phone: 765-742-2594
Battle Ground Veterinary Clinic
Address: 4410 N 9th St, Lafayette, IN 47905
Phone: 765-567-6337
Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination Options
These locations periodically offer low-cost clinics:
Tippecanoe County Animal Control (Seasonal Clinics)
Address: 1950 S 18th St, Lafayette, IN 47905
Phone: 765-423-9321
Almost Home Humane Society (Occasional Clinics)
Address: 1705 S 2nd St, Lafayette, IN 47905
Phone: 765-474-5222
What the County Requires
Tippecanoe County mandates:
-
A rabies tag must be attached to your pet’s collar
-
Rabies vaccinations must be kept current
-
Proof of vaccination must be available upon request
-
Veterinarians must report issued tags to the county
Questions about County Rules?
Tippecanoe County Health Department – Rabies Control
Phone: 765-423-4155
Lost or Replacement Tags
If your pet’s tag is lost, damaged, or unreadable:
-
Contact the clinic that issued the tag
-
Provide pet owner information
-
Replacement fees vary by clinic
If the issuing clinic is no longer open or cannot locate the record, call the Tippecanoe County Health Department for assistance.
After You Receive the Tag
-
Keep vaccination paperwork in a safe place
-
Ensure your pet wears the tag at all times
-
Mark your calendar for the next renewal
FAQ – Pet Licensing in Tippecanoe County
Do I have to license my pet every year?
Yes. Rabies tags are valid for one year and must be renewed annually after re-vaccination.
Which pets must have a rabies tag?
All dogs, cats, and ferrets aged 3 months or older.
Can I get a tag without visiting a veterinarian?
No. A current rabies vaccination is required, and tags are issued after vaccination.
How much does a rabies tag cost?
Pricing varies by clinic, but most charge $5–$15 for the tag plus vaccination fees.
Does the county issue the tags directly?
No. Tags are provided through participating veterinary clinics.
Are low-cost options available?
Yes. Some clinics and the Humane Society offer seasonal low-cost vaccination clinics.
What if the provider I used is closed or doesn’t have records?
Contact the Tippecanoe County Health Department at 765-423-4155 for guidance.
Can I be fined if my pet is untagged or unvaccinated?
Yes. Tippecanoe County may issue citations for non-compliance with rabies laws.
Is microchipping required?
No, but it is strongly recommended for pet safety and identification.
Summary
Pet licensing in Tippecanoe County is done through veterinary clinics that issue official County Rabies Tags after a current rabies vaccination. All dogs, cats, and ferrets over 3 months old must be vaccinated and display a rabies tag at all times. This page provides verified clinics, contact information, requirements, and what to do if you need a replacement tag.