How to license your dog

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If you own a dog in the City, you must get a license for them. You have three different options:

You need to license your dog if they're older than six months. You must get the license before April 1 of each year.

You'll need to provide a copy of your dog's current rabies certificate and proof of them being spayed or neutered. If you are renewing a dog license, you'll need to give us your dog's license number.

Not sure if your dog is licensed? You can search our dog license database.

Whether you're licensing a new dog or renewing an old license, you can complete the application online. You'll also need to pay a fee with your application:

  • $15 for a neutered male or spayed female, or
  • $30 for an intact male or female.

You can pay online with a credit card. We will also charge you a 2.7 percent service fee. There is a minimum service fee of $1.00. After we get your information and payment, we'll mail your dog's license to you.

Are you 70 or older?

We will waive the license fee for residents 70 and older. But, you must apply by mail or in person to have your fee waived.

You need to license your dog if they're older than six months. You must get the license before April 1 of each year.

You'll need to provide a copy of your dog's current rabies certificate and proof of them being spayed or neutered. If you are renewing a dog license, you'll need to give us your dog's license number. After we process your application, we'll mail your dog's license to you.

Not sure if your dog is licensed? You can search our dog license database.

Whether you're licensing a new dog or renewing an old license, you need to print out and complete the dog license application.

You'll also need to pay a fee with your application:

  • $15 for a neutered male or spayed female, or
  • $30 for an intact male or female.

We take checks or money orders made payable to Boston Animal Care and Control. You'll also need to pay any outstanding Animal Care and Control fines to get a license. If you are 70 or older, we waive the license fee.

You need to license your dog if they're older than six months. You must get the license before April 1 of each year.

You'll need to provide a copy of your dog's current rabies certificate and proof of them being spayed or neutered. If you are renewing a dog license, you'll need to give us your dog's license number.

Not sure if your dog is licensed? You can search our dog license database.

Whether you're licensing a new dog or renewing an old license, you need to print out and complete the dog license application.

You'll also need to pay a fee with your application:

  • $15 for a neutered male or spayed female, or
  • $30 for an intact male or female.

We take checks or money orders made payable to Boston Animal Care and Control. You'll also need to pay any outstanding Animal Care and Control fines to get a license. If you are 70 or older, we waive the license fee.

Why get a dog license

The City requires you to license your dog for several reasons:

  • It's the law. If you don't license your dog, you'll be fined $50.
  • A dog license is like an ID for your dog. If they ever get lost, the chances of you being reunited are much higher with a license.

Learn about other rules and regulations of owning a pet in the City.

no longer own a dog?

Please email animalcontrol@boston.gov, or call us at 617-635-5348. We'll remove you from our list.

Are you 70 or older?

We will waive the dog license fee for residents 70 and older. But, you must apply by mail or in person to have your fee waived.