Dog licensing can be done at the town office or online.
If you have a dog over the age of 6 months, it must be licensed. A Rabies Certificate must be produced, and if the dog is neutered, bring a Neutering Certificate if the Town Office doesn’t have it on file. Current Rabies vaccinations for adult dogs can cover three years of protection.
The licensing fee for a neutered dog is $6.00 and non-neutered $11.00. All dogs must be licensed by January 31, of each year. Dogs licensed after January 31 will incur an additional $25.00 late fee.
Please understand that by having your dog licensed, anyone finding your stray pet will be able to trace it to you, thereby alleviating the possibility that it will go to a shelter. Licensing funds contribute to stray animal care in the town and state and supports the State Veterinarian Laboratory in Augusta as well as Maine State Humane Agents which investigate animal abuse cases.
If you are licensing your dog for the first time in Maine:
- You will need a current rabies vaccination certification issued by a Maine licensed veterinarian.
- You will need an accurate description of your dog, including your dog's name, breed, sex and color.
- You will need a written statement from your veterinarian that clearly states that 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 for non-neutered dog and $6 for a neutered dog.
General licensing information:
- If you have a dog over the age of 6 months, it must be licensed.
- A previous rabies certificate must be produced and if neutered, a neutering certificate (If the town office doesn't have it on file.)
- Some rabies vaccinations for previously vaccinated adult dogs now cover three years of protection.
- The fee for a neutered dog is $6 and non-neutered is $11.
- All dogs must be licensed by January 31st of each year. Dogs licensed after January 31st will incur an additional $15 late fee. Those licensed after April 1st will be required to pay a late fee of $25.
Why should you 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 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. Licensing funds also contribute to stray animal care in the town and state, and supports the State Veterinarian Laboratory in Augusta, as well as Maine State Humane Agents which investigates animal abuse cases.
- 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 well being and the community's safety.
To report animal cruelty or abuse:
Animal Welfare Program Department of Agriculture
28 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0028
Phone: (207) 287-3846 or 1 (877) 269-9600
E-mail: animal.welfare@maine.gov