How to Transfer Ownership

Overview

A transfer of ownership should be completed whenever a pet is rehomed, given away, or moved to a new owner.

This process ensures:

• The previous owner’s account history remains accurate.

• Renewal notices are no longer sent to the old owner.

• The new owner has their own pet record and licensing history moving forward.

If your organization offers license transfers, you may also process a license transfer after completing the ownership transfer. Please refer to the related article: How to Transfer a License.

Transfer of ownerships are handled intentionally by removing the pet from the previous owner’s account and creating a new pet profile under the new owner’s account. Pets cannot be directly moved between pet owner accounts while keeping all historical information attached. This is designed to ensure the pet’s information remains historically accurate based on who owned the pet at that time. Because of this, adding the pet to the new owner’s account is the correct and intended transfer of ownership process within DocuPet. The only exception would be in cases where duplicate pet owner accounts are merged together. During an account merge, one pet owner account is permanently removed, and its records are consolidated into the remaining account.

 

Let's Begin!

Step 1: Remove the Pet from the Original Owner’s Account

Start by locating the original pet owner’s profile.

1. Open the Pet Owner Record Search tool.
2. Search using the pet owner’s first and last name or any other relevant fields.
3. Click on the pet owner’s name to open their profile.

On the right-hand side of the profile:

1. Click on Edit beside the pet you are removing.
2. Change the pet’s Status from Active to Removed.
3. Select the appropriate Removal Reason.
4. Click on Save Pet Details.

Once saved:

• The pet will appear as removed.
• Renewal notices will no longer be sent to the previous owner.
• The pet’s historical records will remain attached to that account.

 

Step 2: Add the Pet to the New Owner’s Account

Next, locate the new owner’s profile.

1. Open the Pet Owner Record Search tool again.
2. Search for the new pet owner.
3. Click on their name to open the account.

Then:

1. Click on Add a Pet on the right-hand side of the screen.
2. Enter the pet’s information.

Tip: You may reference the previous owner’s pet profile for information such as:

• Date of birth.
• Breed.
• Microchip number.
• Medical details.

Complete all required fields and click on Save Pet Details once finished.

The pet will now appear under the new owner’s account.

 

Optional: Create a New License and Tag Order

After the transfer of ownership is complete, you may optionally create a new license and tag order for the new owner.

 

Step 1: Start a New Order

From the pet owner’s profile:

1. Scroll to the Order History section.
2. Click on New Order.

Eligible pets will appear under the Currently Eligible section. Click on Confirm License Details and Add to Order.

 

Step 2: Verify Contact Information and Review Pet License Information

The system will ask you to review the pet owner’s contact information.

If any required fields are missing, you will be prompted to update them before proceeding.

Once verified, click on: Contact Details are Correct.

On the Pet License Information screen, review and update information as needed, including:

• Microchip information.
• Spay/neuter status.
• Rabies vaccination dates.
• Associated proof documentation.

If your organization requires rabies validation:

• Enter a future rabies expiration date.
• Confirm that documentation has been reviewed.

This will automatically create a digital proof record on the pet’s profile.

Click on Continue to move to License Selection.

 

Step 3: Select the License Type

The system will automatically suggest the most appropriate license based on the pet’s information.

For example:

• Altered licenses for sterilized pets.
• Standard licenses for intact pets.

You may also manually select alternate license types if applicable, including:

• Special discounted licenses.
• Multi-year licenses.
• Transfer licenses (select this option if your organization offers license transfers, or another license type if license transfers are not available). 

Applicable late fees or penalties may also appear automatically and can be adjusted if necessary.

 

Step 4: Select a Tag

If the pet does not already have a DocuPet tag attached to the account, a new tag must be selected.

The new owner will receive a new HomeSafe® tag and code.

You may offer:

• Standard tags.
• Designer tags.

Customization options may include:

• Tag size.
• Personalization.
• Connector type.

Once selections are complete, click on Add to Order.

 

Step 5: Process Payment and Complete the Order.

On the Order Summary screen:

• Review all items carefully.
• Make any necessary adjustments.
• Add optional products, donations, or fees if needed.

When ready, click on Continue.

Select the payment method being used for the transaction.

If needed, you may also enter additional notes in the Reference Field.

Click on Continue to finalize the order. Once processed, the final Order Summary page will appear.

From here you may:

• Print a receipt.
• Print the Pet License Proof.
• Review the completed order.

If the pet owner has an email address on file, they will also automatically receive an order confirmation email with their receipt attached.

 

Important Notes

Completing a transfer of ownership does not automatically require a license transfer.

If the previous owner did not have a current license, you may simply:

• Guide the new owner to purchase a new license online, OR
• Process a standard license order in person.

Some organizations may also choose to honor the original license dates from the previous owner instead of issuing a completely new license term. If needed, license dates can be adjusted after the order has been completed. Please refer to: How to Edit License Start and End Dates.