WHAT DOGS MUST BE LICENSED?
Every dog owned or harbored in New York State for longer than 30 days must be licensed. The following are the only license exemptions:
•Dogs under four (4) months of age not running at large.
•Dogs harbored in New York City (these dogs must be licensed by the NYC Department of Health).
•If a non-resident brings a dog into New York State for less than 30 days and the dog in licensed according to the resident’s state licensing laws.
•Dogs confined to the premises of any public or private hospital, research institution or Class A Dealer with a certificate of exemption from the Commissioner.
LICENSING PROCEDURES:
•The Portland Town Clerk handles the licensing of dogs.
•For guide dogs, war dogs, hearing dogs, police dogs or service dogs, satisfactory proof is required, such as a training certificate, etc. for licenses.
In addition to the application, the owner will need:
•If the dog is spayed or neutered- a certificate from a licensed veterinarian or an affidavit from the owner showing that the dog has been spayed or neutered, unless this proof is already on file with the Town Clerk.
•All dogs four (4) months or older must have proof of a rabies vaccination signed by a licensed veterinarian or an exemption certificate stating why the life of the dog would be endangered by the vaccine.
After the application and appropriate certificates are filed and the license fee has been paid, the license will be validated for one (1) year. Each dog is assigned a permanent official identification number and issued a metal ID tag which is to be attached to the dog’s collar. No refund will be made after a license has been issued.
