Dog Licenses

Current Licensing Period

State law requires you to license your dog by December 31st each year. Licensing for begins on October 15th, and must be renewed by January 31st to avoid a $25 late fee. Apply for your dog license online now via the State website.

Overview

The Department of Animal Welfare oversees dog licensing in the State of Maine. The license fee is $6 for a neutered/spayed dog and $11 for an unaltered dog. You may license your dog in person at the Clerk's office or online between October 15th and January 31st without incurring a $25 late fee. Dog licenses expire annually on December 31st. Please have your dog's current rabies vaccination certificate ready at the time of licensing.

All dogs need to be licensed upon reaching the age of 6 months in the town where it resides or after the dog has been with the family for 10 days, if adopted. If you have a service dog, the licensing fee may be waived.

Limit of Pets

City Ordinance allows for a family to have no more than 3 dogs on their premises.

Vaccinations

Need to have your dog vaccinated? Your veterinary office can perform this service for you. 

Purpose of Licensing Fees

Dog licensing fees support:

  • Local Animal Control Officers and State Humane Agents
  • Investigation of animal cruelty complaints and enforcement of animal welfare laws
  • Compliance with rabies vaccination of dogs
  • Care for sick and injured stray animals
  • Return of lost dogs to their owners

First Time Licenses

If you are licensing your dog for the first time:

  • You must have a current rabies vaccination certification issued by a licensed veterinarian.
  • You must have an accurate description of your dog, including your dog's name, breed, sex and color.
  • You must have a written statement from your veterinarian that clearly states your dog is altered and/or sterile to qualify for the low-cost altered license fee.
  • You must have the required licensing fee, i.e. $11 for an unaltered fertile dog and $6 for an altered or sterile dog.

Renewals

If you are renewing your dog license OR if your dogs rabies vaccination has expired since the last time you licensed the animal, you will need to show certification of a current rabies vaccination from a Maine licensed veterinarian.

Licensing Methods

We strongly encourage license renewal by mail or online.  We will mail back dog tag and the license on the last business day of November.  If you apply in December, we will mail it with in two business days upon receipt of the mailed application.  

You will need:

  • Credit Card/Check (please do not mail cash)
  • License/Tag number (renewal only)
  • State of Maine Rabies certificate (must be current)
  • Veterinarian's name and phone number
  • Spay or Neuter Certificate (if your dog has been "fixed")

Online

You may now license your dog online through the State website. There is an additional $1 transaction fee to register your dog online, plus a $1.75 shipping fee.

Mail

Please complete the attached form and mail to:
City Clerks Office
ATTN: Dog Licenses
P.O. Box 9422
South Portland, Maine 04116

Please make checks payable to "City of South Portland".