Dog Licenses

REQUIREMENTS (M.G.L. Ch. 140, s 137, 139)

  • All dogs six months old or over are required to be licensed by April 1.
  • A valid current rabies certificate must be provided to receive a license. If applicable, proof of spaying or neutering must also be provided in writing from a veterinarian.

FEES FOR THE CURRENT LICENSE YEAR

  • Neutered or Spayed Dog - $10
  • Unneutered or Unspayed Dog - $20
  • Fee will be waived for dog owners aged 70 and over; owner must provide proof of age.
  • Administrative late fee of $20. per dog is required after May 1st, or if your pet was unlicensed in the previous year.  Proof of licensing in another Massachusetts community in order to avoid the late fee (does not apply to pets new to Northampton).

LICENSE OR RENEW BY MAIL

INSTRUCTIONS:

Please include in your envelope:
  • Appropriate license fee:
    • Neutered or Spayed Dog - $10
    • Unneutered or Unspayed Dog - $20
    • Fee will be waived for dog owners aged 70 and over; owner must provide proof of age.
    • Administrative late fee of $20. per dog is required after May 1st, or if your pet was unlicensed in the previous year.  Proof of licensing in another Massachusetts community in order to avoid the late fee (does not apply to pets new to Northampton).
  • Valid current rabies, and proof of spay/neuter (if applicable)
  • If this license is not a renewal, please send in addition to the above: the owner’s name, address, and telephone number; the dog’s name, age, breed, color(s), gender.

Mail to:

City Clerk’s Office
210 Main St.
Room 4
Northampton, MA 01060-3148


LICENSE OR RENEW ONLINE

Be sure you have all appropriate information about your pet before you pay! 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Bank service fees apply for using this method.
  • Pay for your license: UNIPAY GOLD Online Payment System.
  • Email us here: cclerk@northamptonma.gov 
    • Put your UNIPAY CONFIRMATION NUMBER in the Subject Line
    • Attach a scan of a Valid current rabies, and proof of spay/neuter (if applicable)
    • If this license is not a renewal, please send in addition to the above: the owner’s name, address, and telephone number; the dog’s name, age, breed, color(s), gender.


LICENSE OR RENEW IN PERSON

Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Please bring in person:
  • Appropriate license fee:
    • Neutered or Spayed Dog - $10
    • Unneutered or Unspayed Dog - $20
    • Fee will be waived for dog owners aged 70 and over; owner must provide proof of age.
    • Administrative late fee of $20. per dog is required after May 1st, or if your pet was unlicensed in the previous year.  Proof of licensing in another Massachusetts community in order to avoid the late fee (does not apply to pets new to Northampton).
  • Valid current rabies, and proof of spay/neuter (if applicable)
  • If this license is not a renewal, please be sure to have know the following information: the owner’s name, address, and telephone number; the dog’s name, age, breed, color(s), gender.


Empty heading

CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP

If you no longer own your dog, or have any questions, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (413) 587-1224 or by email at cclerk@northamptonma.gov. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

PET WASTE MANAGEMENT

Be a Good Neighbor - Pick up after your pet!

  • Dog waste is not biodegradable and it does not act as a fertilizer.
  • Pet Waste that doesn't get picked up can ultimately end up in our waterways.

For a better understanding on how pet waste contaminates our local waterways and what you can do to help visit:

PET WASTE MANAGEMENT INFORMATION

Did you know that there are about 47,000 dogs in the Pioneer Valley, and that together, they produce about 17.5 tons of animal waste a day?

Stormwater runoff can wash dog waste into ponds, lakes, streams and drinking water supplies, causing outbreaks of E. coli and other bacteria harmful to both people and wildlife. It can contaminate parks, athletic fields and places where children play.

We all need to pick up and properly dispose of our pet’s waste in the trash can. Join all the dog owners in your neighborhood who are showing they care and take the PUP (Pick up Poop) Pledge.

1. Spike image for licensing web page


ANNUAL CITY CENSUS

At the beginning of very year our Annual City Census is mailed to all listed residents with a perforated dog licensing form! This is a reminder that dog licensing season is upon us. If you have already licensed your dog by your receipt of the form you may tear it off and disregard it.

LEASH LAW

Check out this charming video about Northampton's Leash Law!

Click here to view the law in the City of Northampton Code of Ordinances