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City Animal Control Ordinance
State Animal Control Laws
Rabies Information
Register your dog by mail

Dog Licensing Procedure & Fees

Dog licensing ensures rabies vaccination which protects the health of your pet. Citizens should also know that by licensing their dog they are directly fighting animal cruelty and abuse. Most people do not realize that up to 90% of their dog license fees go directly to the Maine Animal Welfare Program. Dog license fees account for 95% of the State Animal Welfare Program’s entire funding and without these fees, the State would be unable to protect the animals of this state.

All dogs 6 months and older must have a license. If you become the owner of a dog 6 months or older, the dog must be licensed by January of each year. In order to obtain a license for your dog, the owner must present a current State of Maine Rabies Certificate obtained from a veterinarian. This certificate will verify that your dog has received its rabies shot within the past two years. All dog licenses expire December 31 of each year. Renewal of licenses for the following year can be done at the City Clerk's Office beginning in November of each calendar year.

Also, bring with you proof if a veterinarian has issued a written certificate stating the dog(s) is incapable of producing young by spaying or neutering. If you have already shown proof to the City Clerk's Office, then additional proof is not necessary.

Dog License Fees:

Per state law, any dog license that is re-licensed after January 31 will be subject to a $15.00 late fee, a dog re-licensed after February 10 will be subject to a $25.00 late fee.

To receive a license for your dog, please come into the City Clerk's Office at City Hall during our business hours which are Monday-Friday, 8am - 5:00pm. You may also re-license your dog through the mail, click here to fill out the form, then mail it to us. Our mailing address is City Clerk's Office, P.O. Box 586, Ellsworth, ME 04605. You must send a copy of a current, State of Maine rabies certificate, along with a check payable to the "City of Ellsworth " for the appropriate fee, and we will process the license and return the material to you.

Please feel free to contact the City Clerk's Office at 207-667-2563, extension 129 with any questions you may have.

Note: Although cats do not require a license, they must be vaccinated against rabies.