Rabies
Rabies tags &
registration
Illinois law requires every dog and cat four months of age or older to be vaccinated against rabies and registered with the county. Most veterinarians handle the registration for you at the same visit — this page covers what to do if yours does not.
Does my dog or cat need a rabies vaccination in Marion County, Illinois?
Yes. Every dog and cat four months of age or older must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian and registered with Marion County. Feral cats presented to a veterinarian for sterilization must also be vaccinated, unless documentation of prior immunization is provided.
Your certificate must be complete
A registration certificate is invalid if any field is missing. Check before you leave the vet's office that yours lists the species, name, breed, sex, color, identifying markers, age, weight, and microchip number if the animal has one — plus your name and physical address.
How long do I have to register my pet's rabies tag?
If your veterinarian does not collect the registration at the time of vaccination, you have 30 business days from the date of inoculation to submit your documentation and payment to Marion County Animal Control.
How much does a rabies tag cost in Marion County?
A one-year registration is $7 for a spayed or neutered animal and $15 for an unaltered animal. A three-year registration is $20 for a spayed or neutered animal and $40 for an unaltered animal.
| Term | Animal | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| One year | Spayed or neutered | $7.00 |
| One year | Not altered | $15.00 |
| Three year | Spayed or neutered | $20.00 |
| Three year | Not altered | $40.00 |
Spaying or neutering cuts the fee by more than half
A three-year registration costs $20 altered versus $40 unaltered. Over the same three years, a one-year registration renewed annually costs $21 altered or $45 unaltered.
Where do I pay for my pet's rabies registration in Marion County?
There are three ways to pay. Most Marion County veterinarians collect the registration fee at the time of vaccination, which is the easiest option. You can also mail a check or money order with a copy of the rabies certificate to Marion County Animal Control, 853 Woods Lane, Centralia, IL 62801, or pay in person at the Marion County Treasurer's Office, 100 E. Main St., Salem, IL 62881.
At your veterinarian — easiest
Marion County veterinarians collect the registration fee at the time of vaccination. If yours does, you are finished; nothing further is required.
By mail
Send a check or money order together with a copy of the rabies
certificate to:
Marion County Animal Control
853 Woods Lane
Centralia, IL 62801
In person at the Treasurer's Office
Marion County Treasurer's Office
100 E. Main St.
Salem, IL 62881
What happens if I do not vaccinate and register my pet?
Failure to vaccinate against rabies and register carries a $200 fine, reduced to $50 if the owner comes into compliance within 14 days.
Where this amount comes from
Penalty amounts are set by the county's adopted fee schedule — see the full fee schedule for the complete list of fees and fines.
Does Marion County hold rabies vaccination clinics?
Any vaccination clinic dates are announced by the shelter rather than published on a fixed schedule. Watch facebook.com/MCACofIL for announcements, or email wpurcell@marionco.illinois.gov to ask. Your own veterinarian can vaccinate and register your pet at any time.