Dog Licenses
Overview
Per State regulations, all Dogs must be licensed each year in the town where the dog resides. Licenses and tags are obtained in the City Clerk’s Office. Dog licenses expire and are renewed in the month of June. If a dog license is not acquired by June 30th, pursuant to Sec. 22-338, General Statutes, State of Connecticut, a penalty of $1.00 will be added to each additional month the dog is not registered. Additional fees may be incurred by the Dog Warden for unlicensed dogs.
Documentation required to license:
1. A dog owner must apply for a license when a puppy turns 6 months of age or within 30 days of obtaining a new dog.
· If the adoption or purchase occurs after June, the owner must provide the bill of sale/transfer of ownership paperwork to avoid late fees. To prove ownership, present documentation from a veterinarian’s office, adoption paperwork or a bill of sale with the new owner’s information.
· Dogs brought in from another State or Country must have a certificate of Health before a license can be issued. This is typically obtained from a pet adoption agency that transports dogs across the state border. Once the dog has been brought to a CT vet, the paperwork from the vet will suffice.
2. A spay or neuter certificate will only need to be provided the first time a new dog is registered.
3. A dog’s rabies vaccine must be current in order to receive a new license.
· The dog owner must be able to provide documentation of a valid rabies certificate from a recognized veterinarian’s office. In the beginning of June, the City Clerk’s Office sends out a renewal notice for each dog listed in the city’s dog database. The notice will indicate if the rabies date on file is current or expired. If it has expired or expires in the month of June, a new rabies certificate must be provided before the new license can be issued.
· In Connecticut, all dogs over the age of 3 months are required by law to be vaccinated against rabies. Owners are required to show a vaccination certificate as proof of current rabies vaccination in order to license their dogs. Exemption of rabies is only approved by the State Veterinarian. A valid rabies exemption certificate must be provided in order to receive a new license from the town. Call the State Veterinarian at 860-713-2506 (M-F, 8:00-4:30) or visit their website (link to https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Epidemiology-and-Emerging-Infections/Rabies) for more information.
If your dog has a current license, renewals for the next year’s license and tag will not be issued until after June 1st. Late fees will be applied for any dog renewals beginning July 1st.
Important Facts to Remember
- All dogs six months and older must be licensed.
- Dogs must wear the town tag at all times
- A dog without a tag is presumed to be unlicensed and is not protected by law
- A tag must not be used on any other dog than the dog described in the license bearing the corresponding number
- The dog owner is liable for damage done by their dog, including damage to shrubs, flowers or trees
- Owners of roaming dogs are liable to prosecution
- When a spayed or neutered dog is licensed for the first time, a certificate from a licensed veterinarian must be presented.
- All dogs must be vaccinated against rabies and owners submit a certificate to the City Clerk when licensing their dog. Per Sec. 22-338
Dog License Fees
| Neutered Male/Spayed Female | $8.00 (effective 10/1/2002) |
| Male/Female |
$19.00 ($9 sent to State Animal Population Control Fund) |
| Late Licensing Penalty | $1.00 per month |
| Transfer of Ownership | $1.00 for new license/tag if already issued |
| Lost Tag | $0.50 for new license/tag |
| Change of Residence (town) | $0.50 for new license/tag |
| Kennel Licenses | $54.00 per 10 dogs - $104 per 20 dogs |
Online application via Open GOV (link not yet available)