June Is Dog

License Month

“Please license your dog!” said Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason. June is dog license month, and she and Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia want to remind residents, “or, enforcement will be taken,” Ms Mason said. The cost to register a spayed or neutered dog is $8, or $19 for other males and females.

Licenses may be ordered by mail by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope with a check or money order for the proper amount and the following information: rabies certificate, spay or neuter certificate, owner’s name, phone number, address, dog’s name, breed, age, color markings and sex of dog. Mail to Town Clerk’s Office, 3 Primrose Street, Newtown, CT 06470.

Owners registering their pets in person at the town clerk’s office must present a current rabies certificate. If licensing a dog for the first time, it will be necessary to present the spaying or neutering certificate in order to obtain the lower license fee. Dogs six months of age and older must be licensed annually. The new 2011 licenses are available at the Town Clerk’s office, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm.

At the dog pound May 26 with Ms Mason were Assistant Animal Control Officer Matt Schaub, Ms Aurelia, and several pets awaiting adoption, including Dante, a 3-year-old pit bull, and Marvin, a basset hound.

Funds raised through dog licensing contribute to veterinary care, food, and supplies needed at the dog pound. Ms Mason also notes that a licensed dog will help her return a roaming or lost pet to its home. Also, any dogs picked up by the animal control staff cannot be released to the owner without an up-to-date license.

During the first week of July, Ms Aurelia will draw a license from all those that have registered through June 30 to determine who will be the #1 Dog of Newtown, “so be sure to get your dog licensed during June,” she said. For more information call the Town Clerk’s office at 203-270-4210.