New York State law requires that all owned dogs 4 months of age or older must be licensed. Dog owners may be fined for violation of this law. Licensing is an important element in animal control and the protection of the public health. Information about licensed dogs assists in the human medical follow-up of persons potentially exposed to infected dogs. Licensing also helps to reunite lost dogs with their owners and enforces the New York State spay/neuter law. This law mandates a surcharge on the license fee for unaltered dogs. Spaying or neutering a pet reduces the stray animal population.
How to License Your Dog
If the dog is spayed or neutered - a certificate from a licensed veterinarian or an affidavit from the owner showing that the dog has been spayed or neutered, unless this proof is already on file with the clerk.
After your pet has been vaccinated for rabies, you must purchase a license at the Town Clerk's Office in South Salem.
A Rabies Vaccination Certification and a dog application/renewal form (www.lewisborony.gov) is needed to register your dog. ALL dogs four months or older must have proof of a rabies vaccination signed by a licensed veterinarian or a certificate stating why the life of the dog would be endangered by the vaccine.
After the application and appropriate certificates are filed and the license fee has been paid, the license will be validated for one year. Each dog is assigned a permanent official identification (ID) number and issued a metal ID tag which is to be attached to the dog's collar. NO REFUND WILL BE MADE AFER A LICENSE HAS BEEN DATED.
License Fees
The statutory license fees are:
For spayed or neutrered dogs: $10.00
For unspayed or unneutered dogs: $18.00
For guide, war, hearing, police work or service dogs: NO FEE
What dogs must be licensed?
Every dog owned or harbored in New York State for longer than 2 weeks must be licensed. The following are the only license exemptions:
- Dogs under four months of age not running at large
- Dogs harbored in New York City (these dogs must be licensed by the NYC Department of Health)
- If a non-resident brings a dog into New York State for less than 30 days and the dog is licensed according to the resident state's licensing laws
- Dogs confined to the premises of any public or private hospital, research institution or a Class A Dealer with a certificate of exemption from the Commissioner