Frequently Asked Questions
Animal control is an owner's responsibility in Sedgwick County. If you live in an unincorporated area of Sedgwick County, this information is important to you as a responsible pet owner. Your peace of mind, the health and safety of your pet, and your enjoyment of your pet depend on compliance with the laws of Sedgwick County.
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What does Sedgwick County require me to do about vaccinating my dog or cat?
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What does Sedgwick County require me to do about licensing my pet?
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Is there any other location where I can purchase my dog license?
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Are there any laws that apply if I own a dog that has been declared dangerous?
Q. How can I avoid being bitten by an animal?
A. There are several tips for avoiding animal bites. Those tips include:
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Don't play with animals you don't own.
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Keep away from wild animals like skunks, opossums, snakes, foxes and hybrids (domestic animals crossbred with wild ones).
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Never play with an animal while it is eating.
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Never try to capture a stray animal; contact Animal Control instead.
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Use extra care when handling an injured animal.
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If a dog appears to be attacking, don't run. They are faster than you; running only incites their urge to hunt. Instead, you should a) Stop; b) Drop; c) Curl into a fetal position; and d) cover your head.
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If you are bitten, contact the Wichita/Sedgwick County Health Department immediately at 268-8473. Get medical care as soon as possible.
Q. Does Sedgwick County law apply to me?
A. Yes, if you live within any unincorporated area of Sedgwick County. If you live within the corporate boundaries of the City of Wichita, Sedgwick County law does not apply.
However, if you live within the corporate boundaries of any other city in Sedgwick County, Sedgwick County laws may apply to you. Call your city clerk to ask if your city has an agreement with Sedgwick County for animal control services within your city.
Q. What does Sedgwick County require me to do about vaccinating my dog or cat?
A. You are required to vaccinate both dogs and cats against rabies each and every year, beginning when the animal becomes five (5) months of age.
Your veterinarian will perform this medical service for you. You will be charged a fee for the vaccination. Your veterinarian will provide you a copy of your animal's vaccination certificate, which you must keep for your records.
If, in your veterinarian's professional medical opinion, your dog or cat cannot or should not be vaccinated against rabies, you are required to obtain from your veterinarian a form called a "Veterinarian's Confirmation", which you must keep for your records. Sedgwick County has supplied this form to your veterinarian.
Q. What does Sedgwick County law require me to do about licensing my pet?
A. All dogs are required to be licensed in Sedgwick County; cats are excused from licensing. You are required to license your dog each and every year. Sedgwick County has supplied the dog license to your veterinarian. The license is valid for one year from the date of the rabies vaccination (or "Veterinarian's Confirmation") of your dog. As a convenience to you, your veterinarian can sell you your Sedgwick County Dog License at the same time your dog is vaccinated. The License Fee goes to Sedgwick County; no part of it goes to your veterinarian.
Q. Is there any other location where I can purchase my dog license?
A. Yes, you may purchase it from the Sedgwick County Clerk. To do so, you must appear in person at the Sedgwick County Courthouse, County Clerk's Office - 2nd floor, 525 N Main, Wichita, KS 67203. You must also bring with you either a document signed by a veterinarian proving vaccination against rabies that is less than a year old or "Veterinarian's Confirmation" that is less than a year old.
The County Clerk cannot sell you a dog license without verification from one of these documents.
Remember: The license is only valid one year from the date on either of these documents, and the license fee is not pro-rated.
A. Keep your dog license, "Veterinarian's Confirmation," and proof of your cat's rabies vaccination in a safe place.
For your dog: You are required to show a Sedgwick County Dog License that is less than one year old. The license either displays on its face the proof of rabies vaccination, or has the "Veterinarian's Confirmation" attached to the back. You are required to have a metallic vaccination tag affixed to your dog's collar. This tag is supplied at the time of vaccination.
For your cat: You are required to show proof of rabies vaccination or a "Veterinarian's Confirmation" that is less than one (1) year old. (Your veterinarian will give you one of these documents at the time you take your cat in for vaccination.)
Q. Are there any laws that apply if I own a dog that has been declared dangerous?
A. Yes, you are prohibited from obtaining a license for a dangerous dog from your veterinarian. You are required to obtain a license from the County Clerk in person, with proof of valid rabies vaccination or a "Veterinarian's Confirmation.
In addition, you must present the County Clerk with the following information:
1. Proof of homeowner, renters, or other insurance acknowledging the ownership of such animal previously determined, declared, or adjudged to be dangerous or vicious, and demonstrating that such animal's subsequent acts are insured by such policy listing the Sedgwick County Clerk as an entity to be notified ten days in advance in the event of the cancellation of the policy for any reason; or
2. A surety bond in the amount of $50,000.00 acquired by the owner to cover any acts of the animal that is previously determined, declared, or adjudged to be dangerous or vicious. This bond shall list the Sedgwick County Clerk as an entity to be notified ten days in advance in the event of the cancellation of the surety bond for any reason.
Q. What other laws apply to my animal in Sedgwick County?
A. You must keep your animal on your property or in your physical control at all times.
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