Dog Licenses

Golden Retriever sitting

All dogs need to be licensed upon reaching the age of 6 months in the town where it resides; or after the dog has been with the family for 10 days, if adopted.

License fees support

  • Local Animal Control Officers and State Humane Agents
  • Investigation of animal cruelty complaints and enforcement of animal welfare laws
  • Compliance with rabies vaccination of dogs
  • Care for sick and injured stray animals
  • Return of lost dogs to their owners

If you are licensing your dog for the first time

  • You must have a current rabies vaccination certification issued by a Maine licensed veterinarian.
  • You must have an accurate description of your dog, including your dog’s name, breed, sex and color.
  • You must have a written statement from your veterinarian that clearly states your dog is altered and/or sterile to qualify for the low cost altered license fee.
  • You must have the required licensing fee, i.e. $11.00 for unaltered fertile dog and $6.00 for altered or sterile dog.

If you are renewing your dog license

If your dog’s rabies vaccination has expired since the last time you licensed him/her, you will need to show certification of a current rabies vaccination from a Maine licensed veterinarian. If you no longer have your dog, please notify the Town Clerk’s Office at 276-5531. You may renew your dog online, starting October 15th and until January 31st. February 1st, the on-line functionality to re-new your dog on-line will be shut off.  You will need:

  • Credit Card
  • License/Tag number (Renewal only)
  • State of Maine Rabies certificate
  • Veterinarian's name and phone number
  • Spay or Neuter Certificate (if your dog has been "fixed")

Why you should license your dog

  • Because rabies is increasing in Maine, licensing helps to insure public safety by requiring proof of a valid rabies vaccination before a license is issued.
  • By licensing your dog you are directly helping in the fight against animal cruelty and abuse. Up to 90% of the dog license fee collected goes directly to the State of Maine Animal Welfare Program to support cruelty investigations.
  • By licensing your dog you are demonstrating responsible pet ownership. Displaying a current State of Maine tag on your dog’s collar shows that you have taken a necessary step toward your responsibility to your pet’s wellbeing and the community’s safety

Renew Dog Licenses Online here

Maine Animal Welfare Statutes and Rules regarding Dogs

Chapter 721:https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/7/title7ch721sec0.html

Chapter 725:https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/7/title7ch725sec0.html