Dog Licensing

Dog License Information

Note: State Law Requires Collars & Tags On All Dogs. Every Dog Must Be Licensed In The Town It Resides In (VSA 20-3581).

Q: How do I get my dog licensed?

A: All you have to do is bring a copy of your up to date rabies certificate (by law the City must have a copy of it on file) and also a copy of your spaying/neutering certificate if applicable, to the Clerk/Treasurer's Office. You will then be issued a license tag. We start registering dogs in January for the new year. If you are purchasing a license between January 2nd and April 1st, you will need a rabies certificate with an expiration date of April 1st or after for the current licensing year.

Q: How much does a dog license cost?
 

Q: What's the most important thing to bring with me when I walk my dog?  

A: Please bring your pooper scoopers with you when you go for walks so it doesn't end up on the bottom of someone’s shoes. (Burl. Ordinance 5-4 & 17) Cleaning up after your dog, also helps to keep Lake Champlain clean. Read more about how dog droppings affect the Lake on the "Scoop the Poop" campaign website. (Burl. Ordinance 5 – 13 & 14)

Q: What happens if I get caught with my dog off leash? Burlington Ordinance 5-13 & 14)  

A: Generally two things can happen – you may receive a municipal ticket and depending on the circumstances, your dog may be impounded.

Q: What can I do if my neighbor's dog is barking?  

A: The first thing to do is talk to your neighbor about the situation. If you do not get a satisfactory response from your neighbor, you can call the Police Department at 658-2700. (Burlington Ordinance 5-4)

Tickets & Fines  

Tickets:  

First Offense in a 12-month period - $50-$100.00
Second Offense in a 12-month period - $100–$200.00
Third and subsequent offense in a 12-month period- $200-$500

Impounding:  

First Offense in a 12-month period - $75.00 for release
Second Offense in a 12-month period - $75.00 for release
Third Offense in a 12 month period - $75.00 for release** (Burl. Ordinance 5-24 & 25)
There is also a $10.00 a day boarding fee.
No dog will be released until it is properly registered.
A fee must be paid to the Clerk/Treasurer’s Office before a dog may be released from the pound.

 
**If a dog is impounded 3 or more times in a 12-month period, the case may be referred to the Animal Control Committee of the Police Commission. The Committee will hold a hearing to decide what, if any, action should be taken to protect the public. (Burl. Ordinance 5-27)