Dog License in Boston

Upon taking home the new furry addition to your family, you need to license him or her in your city. For Boston, it's a fairly simple process.

1. Go to the Boston Dog License website: http://www.cityofboston.gov/animalcontrol/dogapplication.asp

2. Print and complete the PDF application.

3. Mail it or take it to Animal Control and pay the appropriate fees.

4. Receive your dog's license.

The tricky part is that they run on an April 1st to March 30th year cycle and you do not have to license your dog until age 6 months. Pita was born just in time because she will be 6 months old in late January, so Animal Control told me to apply for her license in February 2010 and they would put her on the April 2010 to March 2011 cycle. If she were 6 months in July (or anytime in the middle of the year cycle), then I would have to pay the full fee even for just a partial year license. You do need to re-register each year, though it is probably similar to the DMV where you simply pay the fee again and do not have to send in a new application. I am guessing on this part, but I will let you know when I find out!

The fees for a spayed or neutered dog is $6 per year. The fees for a dog that is NOT spayed or neutered is $17. A little incentive to get your pup fixed!

If you have more questions, Animal Control was very helpful when I called and I hope that you will have the same experience.