Pay a Pet Citation

Related FAQs

• How do I pay a pet citation?

  Citations can be paid online using a major credit card; by phone (786-469-2900) or by mail.

  • The citation number must be referenced on all check payments
  • Check, money order or cashier's check must be made payable to: Animal Services
  • ATM Check card with Visa or Mastercard logo - American Express not accepted.
  • Business checks, person presenting must have a current driver's license and checks must bear a business name, address and phone number.

  Payment is processed by the Miami Dade Finance Department, Code Compliance Administration.

  • Mail Payment to Miami Dade Finance Department, Code Compliance Administration, 2525 NW 62^nd ST Suite 4132A- Miami, Florida 33147
  • Pay by phone: 786-469-2900
  • Or online: Code Enforcement Citation Search
• How do I dispute a pet citation?

  To dispute a citation received in error, the pet owner must provide proof that vaccination and license tag occured prior to the date of violation.

  Email supporting documents to [email protected]

  Make sure to include:

  1. Name
  2. Address
  3. Phone number 
  4. Violation/Citation Number

  Note: If the violation is determined to be valid, they will received written notification to submit payment. A separate notice will be sent for violation that are submitted for closure (void).

• What are the reasons a civil citation is issued for a pet violation?

  Civil citations and violation notices may be issued to pet owners who do not comply with County ordinances or laws.

  Some of the most common violations include:

  • Failure to vaccinate an animal against rabies.
  • Failure to spay/neuter an adopted pet (under 4 months)
  • Failure to obtain a license tag.
  • Acquisition or keeping of pit bull dogs.
  • Dog running at large.
  • Unlawful tethering of dog.

  If you have any additional questions or concerns about the notice you received, you can email the Citation Unit.

• How do I appeal my citation?
  • You may request an administrative hearing to appeal a citation deemed valid (Review the Citation Letter)
  • Your request for a hearing to appeal must be sent in writing within 20 calendar days from the date issued. You will be notified of a hearing date by mail
  • Requests can be faxed to 305-375-2731 or mailed to the following address: 
    
    County Clerk, Code Enforcement 
    Intergovernmental Services Division 
    111 NW 1st Street, Suite 1750
    Miami, Florida 33128

  • If ASD determines that the citation was issued in error, it will be promptly voided and owner will receive a Violation Notice of Cancellation
  • If further information is required, contact will be made by mail to the owner.  Voided citations take four weeks to clear.  If the citation is valid, owner will receive a letter.
  • Owners may contact 311 or go online after four weeks to log onto the Clerk of the Courts website and enter the Citation number to verify if citation was closed
  • If citation was determined to be valid:  ASD will mail a letter (Sample Letter - ASD Determination Letter Rev to the pet owner within three to four weeks advising that the citation is valid and payment is expected.  If pet owner still does not agree with citation, pet owner must request an Appeals Hearing
• How do I clear a citation that is now in collections?

  There are several ways to have your citation removed from collections. 

  • Call the County's Collection office telephone number on the citation. 
     
  • Visit the Finance Department's Collections Unit: 

  Miami-Dade County Credit and Collections 
  MLK Jr. Plaza
  2525 NW 62 St., Suite 4301
  Miami FL 33147

  Or 

  • Search for and pay a citation that is in collections online on the Clerk of Court Citation Search. On the website, enter your citation number, folio number, mailing address or your name. Citations are not filed under the pet’s name.  
• How do I pay for a violation or citation on a tag renewal?

  You can pay for the citation online using a major credit card; by phone to the Clerk of the Courts; in person at Animal Services, the Clerk of Court's office or any County courthouse; or by mail. If you receive a notice and would like to dispute it, you may schedule a hearing.

  • The citation number must be referenced on all check payments
  • Check, money order or cashier's check must be made payable to: Animal Services

  Payment of a citation does not achieve compliance. Compliance is achieved when licensing and/or rabies vaccination requirement is met.