Dog Licenses

State Law requires that all dogs must be licensed in the city or town where they live. New dogs moving into Topsfield should be licensed immediately or, if they are puppies, as soon as they have had their first rabies shots.

Dog licenses must be renewed every year by January 31st. On February 1st, a $25 late fee will be imposed per dog. Unlicensed dogs will then be further ticketed by the Animal Control Officer.

You may renew or apply for your dog's license:

• Online - Tag and License will be mailed to you. A current Rabies Certificate may need to be uploaded to complete the transaction.
• By mail, using the Dog Licensing Form mailed with your Town Census or downloaded below. A current Rabies Certificate must be included. Completed forms may also be deposited in the Secure Mail Slot at Town Hall. Tag and License will be mailed to you.
• In person at the Town Clerk's office during regular Town Hall hours: M-Th: 8 AM - 4 PM. Fri: 8 AM - Noon.

You will need to provide proof of a current rabies vaccination from your veterinarian showing when the rabies shot was given and when it expires. We cannot issue a license without a current Rabies Certificate. Most vets send rabies information to the Town Clerk's office and we update rabies information in our licensing system when we receive it. Please feel free to call us to confirm whether you need to supply a rabies certificate as we may already have the information in our system.

Dog licenses cost $20.00 for intact male or female dogs, and $15.00 for spayed or neutered dogs. If you have more than 4 dogs, you will need to apply for a kennel license.

Why must I license my dog?

Massachusetts General Law Chapter 140 Section 137 requires that all dogs 6 months or older must be licensed and evidence of current rabies vaccination provided.

Topsfield By-Law Chapter XXIII requires all dogs be licensed on or before January 31st of each licensing period. The licensing period is from January 1st thru December 31st. Any owner or keeper of a dog, owned or kept in Topsfield as of January 1 of each year, who fails to register that dog on or before January 31 of each year shall pay a late fee of twenty-five ($25.00) dollars in addition to any other fees provided for in the By-Law, for each such dog not registered.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Town Clerk’s office at 978-887-1505.