2024 Dog License Information

• In person in the Town Clerk's Office (Parting Ways Building, 1st floor), Monday, Wednesday & Thursday, 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M., Tuesday 8:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M. & Friday 8:00 A.M - 11:30 A.M.; 
• Through the payment mail slot located on the The Parting Ways Building front door;
• Or by mailing payment, along with the updated proof of Rabies Vaccination to:  Town Clerk's Office, 130 Main St., Acushnet, MA 02743

STEP 1: BEFORE YOU GET STARTED
If the dog is older than 6 months a license is required and must be licensed before April 1st of each year.

• Please provide a copy of your dog's current rabies certificate and proof of spay/neuter.
• If you are renewing a dog license, please provide the dog's current license number.
• Not sure if your dog is licensed?  Call the Town Clerk’s Office (508)998-0215.

STEP 2: FILL OUT THE APPLICATION
Whether licensing a new dog or renewing a license, please complete the application.

                                          

• Please include the license fee with your application:
  • $  10.00   -  for a neutered male or spayed female, or
  • $  15.00   -  for an intact male or female.
  • $  75.00   -  for a   5 - 10 dog kennel
  • $125.00   -  for a 11 - 19 dog kennel
  • $200.00 -    for a 19+ dog kennel**
• After we receive your information and payment, your dog’s license will be promptly mailed to you or given to you if applying in person.

*Effective  December 1, 2023, 3-4 Dog Kennels are no longer available.  In addition, and as dictated by Mass General Law c. 140 § 137C, all kennels must be inspection by the Animal Control Officer/Inspector, annually.

**Requires Zoning Board of Appeals Approval 

DOG LICENSING

State Law Requires that every dog owner get a license for their dog each year.  If your dog is 6 months or older, they are required to have a rabies vaccine and a license.  Proof of current rabies vaccination is required to receive a license. If you do not get your dog licensed, you could be subject to fines.

SPAYING AND NEUTERING

While it's not a requirement to have your pet spayed or neutered, we strongly recommend it. Spayed and neutered pets are more affectionate, live longer, and are less likely to roam.  If your dog is fixed, you'll get a discount on your license fee.

LEASH LAWS

Responsible dog owners should follow leash laws:

• State Law Requires that you have your dog on a leash when you're off your property.
• Your dog must be under control when they're not in your house or fenced in by a yard.  Don't let your dog roam the neighborhood, get into trash, or bother the public in any way.
• The same rules apply when you're at a park with your dog.  Responsible dog owners should respect the rights of others in the park.

DOG FOULING

NO LONGER OWN A DOG?

Please call the Town Clerk's Office at (508)998-0215 and we will remove you from our active list.

WHY GET A DOG LICENSE?

It’s the law: The purpose of dog licensing is to foster owner accountability by ensuring that each dog is traceable to its owner. By requiring a dog to be licensed, liability for a dog's actions can easily be established and owners are responsible for ensuring the safety of the pet and others. This is especially important given that M.G.L. Chapter 140; Section 155 imposes strict liability upon the owner or keeper of a dog that causes bodily harm or property damage. Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 140; Section 147A and in order to advance the purposes of dog owner accountability, the Town has the power to further regulate dog licensing. It is the intent of the law to protect and preserve public health, safety, and wellness of licensed dogs. The Town has a duty to monitor and regulate dog ownership via licensure.