LEAWOOD, Kan.- Starting Tuesday, Jan. 28, the City of Leawood is ending its standard pet licensing program. Instead, Leawood will require all dogs and cats to have a microchip or vanity tag and be up to date on the rabies vaccination. This change simplifies pet ownership and reduces administrative costs while focusing on responsible pet care and community safety.

 Why the Change?

Animal Control officers, who operate on a complaint basis, already verify pet vaccinations directly with veterinarians when necessary and check for a microchip or identification, making licensing redundant. Under the new rules, these Animal Control practices will remain the same, ensuring that pets and their families are reunited quickly and efficiently.

Dropping the licensing program allows staff to redirect their time toward managing business licenses and permits, which demand more attention and generate significant revenue.

What Does This Mean for Pet Owners?

Identification Tags or Microchips

Dogs and cats over six months old must either:

• Wear an identification tag or plate attached to their collar that is visible and contains at least a current telephone number of the current owner or caretaker, OR
• Have a microchip containing at least a current telephone number for the owner or caretaker
• Identification tags must always be worn when the pet is outdoors or not in a vehicle.

Rabies Vaccinations

• Dogs and cats over six months old must be vaccinated against rabies.
• If a veterinarian determines a pet cannot receive the vaccine for health reasons, the owner must provide a statement from the vet on official letterhead.
• Owners must keep the current rabies vaccination certificate or the veterinarian’s exemption statement and provide it upon request by animal control or law enforcement.

Parks and Greenways Rules

• All dogs visiting Leawoof Dog Park at 106th and Lee Boulevard, or any other city park or greenway, must be vaccinated against rabies.
• Dogs may be off leash while in Leawoof Dog Park, but owners must follow all posted rules and regulations in city parks.

 Please note that this change does not affect the City’s special permit program for households with more than two dogs or cats, leash laws, or the dangerous animal ordinance. The City will continue to provide animal control services and enforce regulations related to pet ownership.