Dog Licenses

All dogs six months and older shall be inoculated against rabies and licensed with the Town, as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 140, §137 and 145B.

Manchester-By-The-Sea Bylaw Article X section 28 explains that the annual license for dogs is valid from April 1st through March 31st. The cost to register a dog is $20 or $25 if it is not neutered.  A late fee of $10/month for up to $30 is assessed if the dog is not registered by April 1st.

Dog registration can be done online. 



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Why must I license my dog? 

The primary function of dog licensing is for the maintenance of public safety. Dog licensing ensures that rabies vaccinations are up to date in order to protect your pet and family from the rabies virus.

Without a current rabies vaccination, if your dog bites another animal or human a series of uncomfortable shots will be required for the pet and human involved as well as to quarantine the animal.

Even if your dog never leaves the house, up to date animal registration lets public safety officers know that there is a pet inside in case they have to gain access to your home in case of a fire or other emergency.