Dog licenses are required to be renewed by June 30.

All West Hartford dogs are required to be licensed, and renewals are due by June 30. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Submitted by the Town of West Hartford

June is dog license month in Town Clerks’ offices throughout the state, and the West Hartford Town Clerk’s Office mailed postcard reminders to over 3,000 dog owners, urging owners to make their pets “legal.”

Town Clerk Essie Labrot says that according to state law, all dogs over 6 months of age must be registered and receive a dog tag annually. The numbered tag serves as identification for any pet that may wander away from home.

The annual cost for dog licenses is $19.00 for unaltered animals and $8.00 for neutered or spayed animals.

In addition, all dogs must be vaccinated against rabies and a certificate from the veterinarian must be presented in order to purchase a license. If a pet is being licensed for the first time and has been altered, a certificate from the vet again must be presented.

Applications for dog licenses may be made through the mail or in person at the Town Clerk’s Office, Room 313, Town Hall, 50 South Main St. Hours are Monday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tuesday 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Wednesday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Thursday 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m., and Friday 8:30 a.m.-noon.