Licensing Your Dog In New York State: Fees and Requirements

New York State law requires that all dog owners license their furry friends and renew the license annually. The license must be attached to the canine's collar while out in public. Failure to adhere to this simple requirement may result in dog owners being fined in New York.

However, as a New York dog owner, you're doing something more than simply complying with the law when you license your dog. In the event that your dog becomes lost, you're giving him or her dog a ticket home thanks to the license attached to the dog's collar. Consequently, your dog may be returned to you safely. Anyone can report or search for a lost dog by visiting the Animal Care Centers of New York.

Dog owners in New York can apply for licenses at the licensing agent in their respective municipalities. The license fees, which are set by individual municipalities, depend on whether or not the dog is spayed/neutered. The requirements to obtain a dog license in New York State include a valid rabies vaccination certificate, proof of spay/neuter, proof of ownership and a valid photo ID. If you have multiple dogs, you must license them individually. With that in mind, let's look at dog licensing in some major cities in The Empire State.

Licensing Your Dog In New York City

New York City is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the United States. However, your dog must be licensed to live in The Big Apple. New York City law requires that every dog four months of age or older (except service dogs) have a license. Service dogs do not need licenses while in public with their owner, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any dog owner living in New York City can apply for their license online or download and mail an application form.

The online application requires only debit cards, credit cards or e-checks as payment methods. Application by mail, on the other hand, requires checks or money orders as a payment method. If you submit your application online, you should get your new license within two weeks of the application date. However, if the application was mailed in, you should expect to receive your new license within a month.

Below is the list of the license fees:

• New License - Spayed or Neutered: $8.50
• New License - Non-Spayed or Neutered: $34
• License renewal - Spayed or Neutered: $8.50
• License renewal - Non-Spayed or Neutered: $34
• Lost tag replacement: $1

If you lose your dog's license certificate, you can replace it for free by calling 311. However, a dog tag replacement will cost you $1. Both requests can be made online or by downloading and mailing in an application to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, DOHMH Dog License, P.O. Box 22136, New York, NY 10087-2136. Not renewing a license on time may result in dog owners paying a $2 fine for each year the license was not renewed.

Moreover, you can get or renew a license at same-day licensing and vaccination events in New York City. Visit NYC.GOV to stay up to date on the 2023 Same-Day Licensing/Vaccination Events. Furthermore, a Dog Tag Number can be used to locate a lost dog's owner in New York City through the Dog eLocator. And New York City has a Lost and Found portal where you can file a lost or found pet report.

Licensing Your Dog In Albany, NY

Complying with any pet law is part of being a responsible pet owner. Besides, pet laws, which are not intended to be an inconvenience to pet ownership, ensure the health and safety of the public. As of December 2022, online dog license application is unavailable in Albany.

To apply for a Dog License, Albany dog owners should download and complete the Dog License Form and email it along with the owner's identification, proof of ownership and vaccination to the City Clerk at dgillespie@albanyny.gov or cityclerk@albanyny.gov. The City Clerk's physical address is 24 Eagle Street, Room 202, Albany, NY 12207. Phone: 518-434-5090. Fax: 518-434-5081.

Licensing Your Dog In Brookhaven, NY

In the Town of Brookhaven, owners can apply for a dog license online or by mail. The Town Clerk is in charge of the licensing of all dogs. To obtain a dog license in Brookhaven, a dog owner must be at least 18 years of age and provide the dog’s current rabies vaccination certificate, and proof of spay/neuter. The application by mail should be submitted to Brookhaven Town Clerk at One Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738.

Dog license fees is Brookhaven:

• Spayed/Neutered dog: $7.00
• Non-Spayed/Neutered dog: $15.50
• Tag replacement: $5.00
• Service Dog: No fee

For more info, you can contact the Clerk's office at 6314518696.

Licensing Your Dog In Hempstead Town, NY

In the Town of Hempstead, the license fee for an unneutered and non-spayed dog is $18. The license fee for a neutered and spayed dog is $10. A spay/neuter certificate and a rabies certificate are required to obtain a dog license in the Town of Hempstead. To apply, you need to complete an application form and mail it with the appropriate documentation and fees to the Town Clerk's office at 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, NY 11550.

Licensing your dog in other Suffolk County Towns:

• Riverhead dog licensing requirements
• Huntington dog licensing requirements
• Islip dog licensing requirements
• East Hampton dog licensing requirements
• Babylon dog licensing requirements
• Shelter Island dog licensing requirements
• Smithtown dog licensing requirements
• Southampton dog licensing requirements
• Southold dog licensing requirements

Licensing Your Dog In Buffalo, NY

If you live in the city of Buffalo, you can apply for a dog license online or in person by visiting the Dog Licensing Bureau at 65 Niagara Square, 1304 City Hall Buffalo, NY 14202. A copy of a valid rabies certificate and a copy of spayed or neutering certificate (if applicable) must be provided in order to obtain the dog license. The license fee for a Spayed or Neutered dog in Buffalo is $13.50. The fee for an un-spayed or un-neutered dog is $20.50. Furthermore, it will cost you $10 to replace your lost dog tag.

Licensing your dog in other Erie County cities:

• City of Lackawanna dog licensing requirements
• Town of Tonawanda dog licensing requirements

See also: How Many Dogs and Cats Can You Own in New York State?