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James City County to offer lifetime dog licenses beginning Jan. 1, 2026
Summary
The Board approved replacing annual dog licenses with a $15 lifetime license starting Jan. 1, 2026, with an option to exchange current tags at no cost; staff said lifetime licensing has increased compliance in neighboring localities.
The James City County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to replace annual dog licensing with a lifetime license program effective Jan. 1, 2026, set the fee at $15 for all dogs and authorized a no-cost exchange for residents who currently hold valid licenses.
Treasurer Jenny Tholmes told the board that annual licensing revenues have declined in recent years; fiscal-year 2025 saw fewer than 1,000 tags issued and roughly $7,000 in revenue. She said state law was amended in 2017 to permit localities to issue lifetime licenses and several neighboring jurisdictions have adopted the approach.
“By changing to a lifetime license, we will significantly reduce the burden on our citizens associated with renewing licenses,” Tholmes said, noting neighboring jurisdictions’ experience with higher compliance and increased revenue following adoption.
Staff said they have built a separate database so animal-control officers can access up-to-date vaccination records provided by veterinarians rather than relying on the tax system. The office plans to generate follow-up letters after 90 days when vaccination updates are not received. The county will continue to require current rabies vaccinations to support public safety and animal-control enforcement.
The ordinance change also updates the fee schedule and includes a provision to allow residents with existing licenses to exchange them at no charge. The planning commission did not report any opposition; the board adopted the ordinance on a unanimous roll call.
County staff said the move is intended to reduce administrative burden, improve compliance and make vaccination records more accessible to animal-control officers.
