2020 Dog License Changes
For Dog Owners: Annual Dog Licensing
State Law requires that all dogs in the Commonwealth over six months of age be licensed annually. The licensing deadline is December 31st each year. After the deadline, a $15.00 late fee (General Laws, Chapter 40 - Section 22F) will be applied to all unlicensed dogs.
PLEASE NOTE: The Town Clerk’s office is updating the dog licensing process for the 2020 licensing year. The changes are as follows:
Previously, the annual dog licensing period ran from April 1st through March 31st. As of this year, with approval from the November 12th Special Town Meeting, the 2020 dog licensing period will begin on January 1, 2020 and will expire on December 31, 2020.
Dog licensing fees were previously set at $7 for neutered/spayed dogs and $10 for unaltered dogs. Those prices have remained the same for over a decade. As of January 1, 2020, thefees will increase to $10 for neutered/spayed dogs and $15 for unaltered dogs.
NOTE: Late fees will remain the same at $15 per dog, per year for each year that licensing did not occur. All 2019 licenses must be renewed by December 31, 2020 in order to avoid paying the late fee.
By Mail: Complete the renewal/application form below. Include a check or money order, payable to the Town of Fairhaven Include your dog's rabies vaccination certificate*. (We will return your certificate along with your license and tag.) Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Mail to: Town Clerk's Office, 40 Center Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719
In Person:
Visit us on the first floor of the Town Hall. Bring a current rabies certificate* and your payment by cash, check or credit card.(Please note that there are fees of $2.50-$3.95 added when a credit card is used.) Also, if your dog is neutered or spayed, you will need to bring in that certificate as well. The office hours are 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday.
Online:
You may also license your dog online. A current rabies certificate is required, and you MUST upload a scan of your dog's certificate. Click the link below to register your dog online.
*Certificates: Call your Vet for a printout of your dog(s) rabies certificate and spayed/neutered certificate. A rabies clinicis usually held on a Sunday in late March. The date will be announced as soon as it is set by the Board of Health.
Click here to view or print the Dog License Request Form.