How To License Your Dog

Words Dog License over a drawing of three different breeds of dogs looking at the viewer

New dog registrations are done at the Town Clerk's Office during regular business hours.  Puppies don't need licensing until the first rabies vaccination. 

***Dog Registration is due by April 30th***

 

How to Register a Dog

You'll need:

  • A Rabies Certificate
  • A Driver's License  
  • In addition, if the dog has been spayed or neutered, the owner or keeper needs to furnish the town or city with the proper documentation.

Where to Register a Dog

All new dogs are registered at the Town Clerk's Office during regular business hours

Residents can renew your dog license online by visiting the Dog Licensing page of our pay online portal.

What is the Cost to Register a Dog

  • Puppy (ages 4-7 months) $7.50
  • Neutered or spayed dogs $7.50
  • Unaltered male of female dog $10.00
  • Senior citizen dog $3.00 (owner who is 65 years old or older on the first dog only)

Failure to Register Dog

Between June 1st and June 20, the Town Clerks Office will forward a list of those owners or keepers of dogs that have not been licensed to the Select Board per state law RSA 466:1.  A Dog Warrant will be signed and a civil forfeiture fee will be assessed.   

FAILURE TO REGISTER A DOG WILL RESULT IN THE FOLLOWING:

  • The cost of the annual license fee will be charged
  • A late fee of $1.00 per month, per dog for each month (or part of month) starting June 1
  • A civil forfeiture fee in the amount of $25.00
  • A $7 service fee. 
  • The civil forfeiture will be sent certified mail and payable within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the notice of failure to register your dog(s).
  • If the forfeiture fee is not paid within that time, a summons to appear in court shall be issued in accordance with State law requirements.
  • If you no longer own a dog or the dog is deceased, please contact the Exeter Town Clerk's Office at (603)778-0591 x 403 or email us. We will then update your record so that you do not receive any future notices.

Renew a Dog License

To register your dog on line, remember to put a dash after the previous year and put all zero's before the tag number.  (EX:  20-000123) 

Renew Your Dog Online
 

Which Dogs Need to be Registered

State of New Hampshire RSA 466:1 requires that every owner or keeper of a dog four months old or older shall annually cause it to be registered, numbered, described, and licensed for one year in the city or town in which the dog is kept.

Regardless of when the license is obtained, the license shall be effective from May 1st of each year to April 30th of the subsequent year.

 

  • Printer-friendly version