Dog Licensing

DOG LICENSING BEGINS IN FEBRUARY OF EACH YEAR. THE PRIOR YEARS' LICENSE EXPIRES APRIL 30TH.

WE ARE REQUESTING, AND STRONGLY SUGGEST, THAT YOU RENEW YOUR DOG LICENSE ONLINE.

IF THE CLERKS OFFICE HAS A CURRENT RABIES CERTIFICATE ON FILE, YOU MAY RENEW  YOUR DOG LICENSE ONLINE BY CLICKING THE ICON BELOW.

Dog Licensing

DURING COVID, MANY RESIDENTS DID NOT LICENSE THEIR DOGS. SOME DOGS HAVEN'T BEEN LICENSED IN 2 YEARS.

IF THIS IS THE CASE, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RENEW ONLINE.  YOU WILL BE CHARGED $1.00 PER MONTH PENALTY, HOWEVER, THE $25.00 CIVIL FORFEITURE IS BEING WAIVED. 

ALL DOGS, FOUR MONTHS OF AGE OR OLDER, LIVING IN THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, MUST BE LICENSED BY THEIR OWNERS IN THE TOWN OR CITY OF RESIDENCE.

When Do I License My Dog?

License a new adult dog immediately. License a puppy as soon as it is 4 months old and after it's had a rabies vaccination. The license period runs May 1st through April 30th of each year. License renewals are generally accepted after February 1st of each year.

What Do I Need to License My Dog?

State law requires that before a license is issued, the owner or keeper of a dog must furnish proof to the Clerk that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies. In addition, the annual license fee is less for a dog that has been spayed or neutered. Evidence of the procedure needs to be supplied to the Town Clerk. Feel free to contact our office to determine whether or not this information is already on file in our office. You may also wish to license by mail, call for details.

What Happens If I Don't License My Dog?

Failure to license a dog is a violation of state law and town ordinances. In addition to the annual license fee you will be charged a late fee of $1.00 per month for each month after June 1. In addition, you are subject to a civil forfeiture fee of $25.00 due within 15 days after receiving notice of forfeiture. If the forfeiture is not paid, the case will be disposed of in district Court. Additional penalties may apply under local ordinances.

Any dog 4 months of age or older is required by NH law to have a current license. Owners must present a valid rabies certificate at the time of licensing, and all licenses expire annual on April 30th. The Town Clerk is required to charge a Civil Forfeiture penalty in the amount of $25.00 to any owner who fails to re-license their dog by June 1 of any given year. Licensing Fees are as follows:

  • Male or Female dog: $9.00
  • Spayed or Neutered: $6.50
  • Owner 65 or older: $2.00 for the first dog
  • There is a late fee of $1.00 for each month or any part thereof, beginning June 1st.