Register Your Pet

1. Do I need to license my pet?

The City of Merriam requires licensing of all cats and dogs. Licensing of your pets can protect them should they get lost.

2. What are the licensing requirements for my pet?

Registration form, proof of current rabies vaccination and payment of the proper fee is all that is required to license your pet.

3. What is the cost to license my pet?

Spayed or neutered pets:
$10 one-year license
$16-two-year license
$24 three-year license

Unaltered pets:
$30 one-year license
$48 two-year license
$72 three-year license

The multi-year fee schedule provides a significant discount for those with multi-year vaccinations.

4. Where do I go to license my pet?

Online: Complete the form and pay online.  

In Person: Merriam City Hall, 9001 W. 62nd Street. M-F 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

By Mail: Submit the registration form, proof of rabies vaccination, and proper fee.

5. When are my pet licenses due?

All pet license fees are due by January 1 of each year. A late fee penalty of $2 per month will be added to all delinquent pet licensing fees for failure to renew by January 15 each year.

6. How many pets am I allowed to have?

The maximum allowed pets per address are three dogs and three cats.

7. Are pit bulls allowed in Merriam?

There is no breed ban in Merriam, however all dogs are required to be licensed.

8. I just got a new pet, how long before I need to register it?

Any pet over 6 months old must be licensed. Proof of rabies vaccination is required.

9. What can I do about a neighbor’s barking dog?

Continued barking and howling could be considered a nuisance. Call the Merriam Police Department Community Service Officer at 913-322-5581.

10. Is there a leash law in Merriam?

Yes, any dog not leashed or under the control of its owner by an electronic training collar is considered to be running at large, which is a violation of the law.

11. Does Merriam have a “pooper scooper” law?

Yes, allowing your pet to defecate upon any public or private property other than your own without immediate removal is considered a nuisance.

12. What do I do if my pet is lost?

The Merriam Police Department partners with the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. They will work with the public and the police department to provide our community with lost and found pet services. Contact Humane Society of Greater Kansas City at 913-596-1000. You can also submit the Lost Pet form to alert our Community Service Officer that your pet is missing. The Merriam Police Department is not accepting any stray cats for impound, but officers can help you attempt to locate the owner of a lost cat.

13. I found a stray animal, who do I call?

If the animal has a Merriam Pet License you may call Merriam City Hall to locate its owner. Otherwise call the Merriam Police Department at 913-322-5560 during business hours or dispatch at 913-782-0720 after hours.

• Residents are not allowed to have more than three dogs or three cats. 
• All dogs and cats six months or older must be licensed. Licenses are valid for one year and run concurrent with the dates of your rabies vaccination. License applications are available and must be filled out and returned along with proper licensing fee and a copy of the current rabies vaccination receipt from your veterinarian's office. Please call 913-322-5500 for more information on pet registration or license renewal.
• All dogs must be walked on a leash. This includes while in residential neighborhoods, City parks, on apartment common grounds, along public walking trails, etc.
• Animals may not be left unattended in vehicles for extended periods of time. The vehicle must be properly ventilated and the animal must have water. 
• Dogs must be confined to the owner/keeper’s yard, unless the owner/keeper is outside, monitoring the animal on the property. 
• Dogs that are maintained outdoors must have access to proper shelter, food, and water. 
• It's unlawful for any person to fail to clean up after their animal, if the animal defecates on public property or property owned by another person. 
• Neighbors may sign citations for excessive barking, which is disturbing their peace. 
• Per the City’s leash law, it's unlawful for any animal to run uncontrolled or to disturb persons by chasing, charging, barking, growling, or biting. The leash law doesn't apply to cats. 

You may be issued a ticket if you don't comply with these ordinances. A complete list of Merriam's animal ordinances can be found in chapter eight of Merriam's Municipal Code. 

For more information regarding the City’s animal ordinances, contact the Merriam Police Department at 913-322-5560, or for questions regarding the licensing procedure contact the City Clerks’ Office at 913-322-5500.