Discounted Licenses
LA Animal Services' Seniors for Seniors program matches senior companion animals (seven years and older) from Los Angeles Animal Shelters with senior adults (62 years and older). Senior adopters receive 50% off the adoption fee which includes microchipping, vaccinations and the spay/neuter surgery. See adoption fees. The program is available at each of the City’s Animal Shelters and at mobile adoption sites.
Some seniors (62 years and older) living in the City of Los Angeles may also qualify to receive a $10.00 dog license. Please bring your low income/lifeline DWP bill to qualify. For more information about $10.00 dog licenses for seniors, call the Department of Animal Services Licensing Division at 213-482-9550.
In order to qualify for a $10.00 dog license, the applicant must either be 62 years of age or older, or disabled, and meet low income requirements. For either seniors or the disabled, the following must be submitted:
Companion Animals Lower Blood Pressure
A study of health patients showed that people over 40 who cares for a companion animal had lower blood pressure than people who did not have companion animals. Another study showed that talking to companion animals decreases blood pressure.
Fewer Trips to the Doctor
Seniors who care for dogs go to the doctor less than those who do not. In a study of 1,000 Medicare patients, even the most highly stressed dog guardian/guardians in the study had 21 percent fewer physician's contacts than non-dog guardian/guardians.
Less Depression
Studies show that seniors with companion animals do not become depressed as often as those without companion animals.
Easier to Make Friends
Seniors with companion animals meet more people and like to talk about their companion animals.
Seniors Become More Active
Seniors with companion animals go for more walks and are generally more active than those without companion animals.
Companion Animals are Friends
Most everyone, but especially seniors, will say that companion animals are their friends.
Companion Animals Ease Loss
Older people who suffer the loss of a spouse and care for a companion animal are less likely to experience deterioration in health following that stressful event.
Companion Animals Fight Loneliness
You are less likely to be lonely with a canine or feline friend around.
Taking Better Care of Themselves
Seniors take good care of their companion animals and better care of themselves when they care for a companion animal.
Sense of Security
Companion animals help seniors to feel that someone they trust is always around.
A disabled individual may qualify for one $10.00 dog license, pursuant to Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 53.15 (f). To qualify, the disabled individual must provide to the Department of Animal Services a signed statement from a licensed physician certifying that he/she is disabled and meet low income requirements. Per the Municipal Code: ”An individual shall be considered disabled if he or she is unable to engage in any substantial, gainful activity by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, which can be expected to result in death or to be of long, continued and indefinite duration.”
Please submit the requested information and Low Income Benefit Application to:
Attn: Discount Dog License Application
Department of Animal Services
221 N. Figueroa Street
6th Floor, Suite 600
Los Angeles, CA 90012
For more information about $10.00 dog licenses, call the Department of Animal Services Licensing Division at 213-482-9550.
