Nh dog license laws

RSA Chapter was amended in to change the title to Dogs and Cats, and to allow municipalities the ability to license cats in a similar manner as it licenses dogs. In amending the law, the general court pointed to the need to protect the public from the spread of rabies, to protect ownership of cats and to seek to reduce the euthanasia of cats, which are owned but unidentified.

The governing body may vote to license cats, but is not required to do so. RSA a. If a municipality elects to license cats, it shall require cats to have a form of identification as approved by the commissioner of agriculture, markets and food.

The same penalties shall apply for unlicensed cats as for unlicensed dogs. The license, required annually for all dogs four months of age or older, is issued by the town or city clerk and is good from May 1 to April RSA Before the license can be issued, the dog must be properly vaccinated against rabies. The clerk provides the metal tag with the name of the town or city, the year of issue and the tag number. If a dog is new to town, the owner may transfer its New Hampshire license to the new town or city of residence.

Yes, the clerk may authorize the local police department or the dog officer of the town or city, or a humane society as may be designated by the local governing body, to issue licenses and collect license fees. RSA c. If so authorized, the clerk shall determine the criteria for the receipt of funds and recordkeeping. Between June 1 and June 20, the clerk submits a list of dog owners who have failed to license his or her dog to the governing body.

Within 20 days of receiving this list, the local governing body issues a warrant to the local official authorized to issue a civil forfeiture for each unlicensed dog.

Regardless of when the license is obtained, the license is valid from May 1 of each year to the following April Veterinarians are required by State law to notify the Town Clerk when a rabies vaccination is issued.

When this occurs, our office will send you a notice to license your dog if your dog is not already licensed with us. You should license your new dog as soon as possible. When this occurs, a notice to license your dog will be issued from this office if your dog is not already licensed.

For your convenience, you may use the Dog License Registration Form to license your dog by mail. The form can be found by clicking on the link at the bottom of page.

License renewals can also be completed by using the on-line payment services at www. Proof of age must be provided the first time the discount is given. First time discounts can not be given for on-line transactions. Failure to license your dog is a violation of State law. How Much Does It Cost? Where Do I Go? Dog Licenses. Pay Bills. Motor Vehicle. Road Work News.