Clerk/Treasurer’s Office

Dog Licenses

The Dog Task Force is investigating ways to strengthen existing dog leash laws for everyone’s safety.  Complete the survey at https://www.opentownhall.com/portals/466/Issue_12597 to share feedback on proposed new areas of off-leash spaces.  The information gathered will be used to determine pilot off-leash areas to test out, prior to officially designating them for use by off-leash dogs.  

 

Information on animal control and animal welfare may be found at:
https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/Police/Animal-Control-Information

How do I get my dog licensed?

You may now license your dog online

A copy of your dog's current rabies certificate is required to license your dog.  If not indicated on the rabies certificate, we will also require a spay/neuter certificate. We begin registering dogs in January for the new year. You may license your dog online, in person at the Clerk/Treasurer's Office during business hours, or by mail. To license your dog by mail, send the up to date rabies certificate, a check for applicable fees, and a self addressed stamped envelope to: City of Burlington, Attn: Dog Licenses, 149 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401.

 

Why should I license my dog?

State Law Requires Collars & Tags On All Dogs. Every Dog Must Be Licensed In The Town It Resides In (VSA 20-3581).

 

How much does a dog license cost?

  • Spayed/Neutered  >  $27.00*
  • Unspayed/Unneutered  >  $47.00*
  • A $2 late fee will be applied to licenses not renewed by April 1 
 

What's the most important thing to bring with me when I walk my dog?

Please bring your pooper scoopers with you when you go for walks so it doesn't end up on the bottom of someone’s shoes. (Burl. Ordinance 5-4 & 17) Cleaning up after your dog, also helps to keep Lake Champlain clean. Read more about how dog droppings affect the Lake on the "Rethink Runoff" campaign website. (Burl. Ordinance 5 – 13 & 14)

 

How much are Tickets & Fines?

First Offense in a 12-month period - $50-$100.00 Second Offense in a 12-month period - $100–$200.00 Third and subsequent offense in a 12-month period- $200-$500

 

What can I do if my neighbor's dog is barking?

The first thing to do is talk to your neighbor about the situation. If you do not get a satisfactory response from your neighbor, you can call the Police Department at 658-2700. (Burlington Ordinance 5-4)

 

What happens if I get caught with my dog off leash? Burlington Ordinance 5-13 & 14)

Generally two things can happen – you may receive a municipal ticket and depending on the circumstances, your dog may be impounded.

 

What if my dog is impounded?

The fee to release a dog from impound is $75.00   ** (Burl. Ordinance 5-24 & 25)

There is also a $10.00 a day boarding fee. No dog will be released until it is properly registered.

A fee must be paid to the Clerk/Treasurer’s Office before a dog may be released from the pound.

**If a dog is impounded 3 or more times in a 12-month period, the case may be referred to the Animal Control Committee of the Police Commission. The Committee will hold a hearing to decide what, if any, action should be taken to protect the public. (Burl. Ordinance 5-27)