Dog Licensing

Avoid the Fine! Pay Your Dog License Online!
Beginning April 1st, add a $25 late fee per family for 2016 Dog Licenses. Dog licenses are available from the Town Clerk's Office at the counter, by mail or online.

Relicensing

Dogs aged 6 months and older are required by State Law to be vaccinated against rabies and to be licensed by the Town. Dogs need to be re-licensed in January of each year. Dogs that are not licensed by the end of the grace period (March 31 of each year) are subject to a late fee of $25.
Police Officer Pats Down a Dog
In April of each year the Animal Control Officer receives a list of dogs that have not been re-licensed or have received a rabies vaccination and have never been licensed.

Owners of more than 4 dogs ages 3 months or older are required to obtain a kennel license following inspection of the "kennel" by the Town's Animal Control Officer (M.G.L. ch. 140 sec. 137A).

If you are new to Town, please license your dog as soon as possible to avoid a late fee.

Fee Changes

Please note that pursuant to changes in animal control laws the following dog licensing fee has changed:
  • Non-altered dogs: $20 license fee
  • Spayed / Neutered dogs: the $15 licensing fee remains the same
All Dogs Must be Licensed Every Calendar Year - If You are Age 70 or Older You do not Have to Pay for Your License, but You are Responsible for the Late Fee" title="All Dogs Must be Licensed Every Calendar Year - If You are Age 70 or Older You do not Have to Pay for Your License, but You are Responsible for the Late Fee


Renew / Apply by Mail

To renew or apply by mail:
  • Complete the renewal/application form (PDF).
  • Include a check or money order, payable to the Town of Westford for $15 (spayed/neutered) or $20 per dog.
  • Include a copy of your dog's rabies vaccination certificate (this will not be returned to you unless you request that we do so).
  • Include a copy of your dog's spay or neuter certificate if it's not indicated on the rabies certificate.
  • Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) and add 20 cents to the regular postage price. If you don't include a SASE, we anticipate that you will be coming in to pick up your dog's license and tag.
  • Mail to:
    Town Clerk
    Dog Licensing
    55 Main Street
    Westford, MA 01886
If you're renewing the license, we may already have your dog's rabies certificate on file. Call us at 978-692-5515 if you're not sure. Any copy you send will be returned with your license. The rabies clinic is usually held in March at the Center Fire Station.

You may also renew/apply for your dog's license online or in person at our office. Please note that $1 is added to the online dog licensing fee. This pays for mailing the license(s) and tag(s).

Legal references: M.G.L. Chapter 140 §§ 137 - 174E; Town General Bylaw Chapter 84.

Signs of Rabies

Unexplained aggression, impaired locomotion, varying degrees of paralysis, extreme depression or viciousness. The signs of rabies vary in animals. Some will display attack-like behavior while others appear sick or dazed.