THE PURPOSE Of LICENSES FOR DOGS
Lancaster Dog Control receives many questions regarding dog licenses. We hope that the following information will answer your questions…
WHY SHOULD I LICENSE MY DOG?
1. It’s the law – New York State Agriculture & Markets Law, Article 7, requires that dogs in New York State be licensed and wear their dog license tag.
2. Easy identification – When wearing a license tag, dogs are easier to identify, enabling them to be reunited with their owner faster. A license is a lost dog’s ticket home.
3. Health / safety – By requiring that a dog have valid rabies vaccination prior to licensing, a dog license helps to control and prevent the spread of rabies. If your dog bites another person/animal or is on the receiving end of a bite, the rabies vaccine can protect them from a dangerous and potentially fatal illness.
WHAT DOGS MUST BE LICENSED?
EVERY dog owned or harbored in New York State for more than 30 days must be licensed. The ONLY license exceptions are as follows:
• Dogs under 4 months of age not running at large.
• 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
NUMBER OF DOGS ALLOWED
- Town of Lancaster: No residence shall own or harbor more than 3 dogs.
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- Village of Lancaster: No person shall own or harbor more than 2 dogs.
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- Village of Depew: No residence shall own or harbor more than 3 dogs.
REMINDER NOTIFICATIONS
Each dog owner will receive a reminder postcard one month prior to the month that the license expires. At the beginning of the month after the license expired that will be a second reminder by mail. If the dog license has still not been renewed by the license expiration there will be an additional $5.00 late fee due for each month that the license is late, and you will receive a “Final Notice of Delinquent Dog License”. This gives you 30 days to renew the license before you receive a court appearance ticket and a $25.00 court fine additional to the late fees.
HOW TO LICENSE YOUR DOG
In order to license your dog, you will need to provide the proper paperwork from your dog’s veterinarian and the appropriate fee. Each dog is assigned a permanent official identification number and issued a metal ID tag which is to be attached to your dog’s collar and worn at all times.
VETERINARIAN PAPERWORK REQUIRED
• RABIES VACCINATION
All dogs 4 months or older must have proof of a valid rabies vaccination showing the date of vaccination and whether it is a 1 year or 3-year vaccine OR a certificate from a licensed veterinarian stating why the life of the dog would be endangered by the vaccine.
• SPAY/NEUTER (if applicable)
If the dog is spayed or neutered, a certificate from a licensed veterinarian must be presented at the time of licensing. Spay/neuter is not required; however, it does reduce the cost of the license.
LICENSE FEE
For your convenience, the Lancaster Town Clerk’s office is able to license your dog 1 year period. Fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.
• Spayed or Neutered dogs - $13.00
• Un-Spayed or Un-Neutered dogs - $20.00
License Fees for residents age 65 and older:
• Spayed or Neutered dogs - $5.00
• Un-Spayed or Un-Neutered dogs - $12.00
SERVICE, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT AND THERAPY DOGS
• Emotional Support and Therapy dogs are NOT exempt from license fees.
• Service dogs are exempt from license fees but you will need to sign a Service Animal Acknowledgement form that certifies your dog is individually and fully trained as a service animal to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.
When going to license your dog for the first time you must go to the Lancaster Town Clerk’s office and you will need to make an appointment (due to Covid-19). If you are renewing a license you may renew online through the Town of Lancaster website, by mail or external drop box located at Town Hall.
If you have any further questions, please contact the Town of Lancaster Clerk’s Office 683-9028 or Town of Lancaster Dog Control 220-5650.