Dog Licenses

click here to purchase your dog license online (new or renewal)



PLEASE NOTE:   Licenses expire on March 31st annually. Please renew your dog license by June 1st to avoid a late fee. 

State Law Requires a License

Licensing your dog is an important public safety requirement. All owners or keepers of a dog 6 months or older are required by state law to license it annually.

For renewals - A license can only be issued if the owner has evidence of a rabies vaccination that is valid as of the date of issuance. You may contact our office to see if your dog's rabies is up to date. 

For new dogs - we will need to see proof of spay or neuter if applicable in addition to the rabies certificate. Most rabies certificates state whether the dog is spayed or neutered. If purchasing your dog license online for the first time, you can email your certificates to townclerk@amherstma.gov. Your license and tag will be mailed to you on the next business day.

Fee

For a spayed/neutered dog:  $5.00
For a dog that is not spayed or neutered:  $15.00

Dog licenses may be purchased either in-person at the Town Clerk's Office in Town Hall during regular business hours, online, or by mail.  If requesting by mail, you may use the back of the Annual Census/Street List Form that is mailed in January to provide your dog's information.  Don't forget to include a check in the appropriate amount and a self-addressed, stamped envelope when returning.  Licenses and tags will be mailed once the new licensing period beings on April 1st.


Penalties

Any owner or keeper of a dog who fails to license their dog by June 1st will be required by Town Bylaw to pay a late fee of $30.00 per dog in addition to the licensing fee.