- Spayed/Neutered > $27.00*
- Unspayed/Unneutered > $47.00*
- A $2 late fee will be applied to licenses not renewed by April 1
The Dog Task Force is investigating ways to strengthen existing dog leash laws for everyone’s safety. Complete the survey at https://www.opentownhall.com/portals/466/Issue_12597 to share feedback on proposed new areas of off-leash spaces. The information gathered will be used to determine pilot off-leash areas to test out, prior to officially designating them for use by off-leash dogs.
Information on animal control and animal welfare may be found at:
https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/Police/Animal-Control-Information
How do I get my dog licensed?
You may now license your dog online
A copy of your dog's current rabies certificate is required to license your dog. Please be sure expiration date of vaccination is after April 1st, 2023. Vaccination expiring before this date will not be accepted. If not indicated on the rabies certificate, we will also require a spay/neuter certificate. We begin registering dogs in January for the new year. You may license your dog online, in person at the Clerk/Treasurer's Office during business hours, or by mail. To license your dog by mail, send the up to date rabies certificate, a check for applicable fees, and a self addressed stamped envelope to: City of Burlington, Attn: Dog Licenses, 149 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401.
Why should I license my dog?
State Law Requires Collars & Tags On All Dogs. Every Dog Must Be Licensed In The Town It Resides In (VSA 20-3581).
How much does a dog license cost?
What's the most important thing to bring with me when I walk my dog?
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 "Rethink Runoff" campaign website. (Burl. Ordinance 5 – 13 & 14)
How much are Tickets & Fines?
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
What can I do if my neighbor's dog is barking?
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)
What happens if I get caught with my dog off leash? Burlington Ordinance 5-13 & 14)
Generally two things can happen – you may receive a municipal ticket and depending on the circumstances, your dog may be impounded.
What if my dog is impounded?
The fee to release a dog from impound is $75.00 ** (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)
