Dog Licensing Information

About Licensing

Dog licensing ensures rabies vaccination, which protects the health of your pet. Citizens should also know that by licensing their dogs 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 six months and older must have a license. If you become the owner of a dog six 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.

Rabies Educational Materials

How to Obtain a License

In-person

Visit the City Clerk's/Finance Department at City Hall during our regular business hours, which are Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Bring the current State of Maine rabies certificate and (if the dog is "fixed") proof of spaying/neutering.

By mail

Send a current State of Maine rabies certificate and(if the dog is "fixed") proof of spaying/neutering, along with a check and completed application form (PDF) to the:

City Clerk's Office
1 Common Street
Waterville, ME 04901

Online

You may also register your dog online at State Online Dog Licensing for an additional $1 fee.

Renewing the License

All dog licenses expire on December 31, of each year. Renewal of licenses for the following year can be done at the City Clerk's / Finance Department beginning in November of each calendar year. If your dog has been "fixed" since it was last licensed, bring proof of spaying/neutering from your veterinarian. If you have already shown this proof to the department, additional proof is not necessary.

Dogs being relicensed after January 31st will be charged a late fee of $25, per state law.

Dog Licensing Fees

  • $6 per year for spayed/neutered dogsOIP
  • $11 per year for dogs not spayed/neutered

Per state law, any dog license that is relicensed after January 31 will be subject to a $25 late fee per dog.