Dog licenses are required to be renewed by June 30.

By Ronni Newton

Dog license renewal forms are being sent to dog owners throughout the state, including to the 3,000-plus residents whose canines are currently licensed in West Hartford.

West Hartford Town Clerk Leon Davidoff is urging all dog owners to ensure that their dogs are “legal.” West Hartford permits three dogs per household in accordance with a town ordinance.

According to Davidoff, state law requires all dogs that are 6 months or older to be registered. In addition to a paper registration, licensed dogs receive numbered tags that serve as identification for any pet that may wander away.

The state also requires all dogs to be current on their rabies vaccination. A new rabies vaccination certificate must be submitted along with the registration form if the existing certificate has expired prior to June 30, 2023.

If a pet being licensed for the first time, or has been spayed or neutered within the past year, a certificate from the veterinarian must be provided. Any documentation submitted will be returned once the license application has been processed.

The cost for a dog license is $8 for neutered or spayed animals and $19 for those that are unaltered.

Please note that Connecticut law requires any commercial kennel or dog day care facility to keep proof of a current rabies vaccination and a current town license. The West Hartford Dog Park also permits only licensed dog.

Dog license applications can be returned via mail to Town Clerk, Town of West Hartford, 50 South Main Street, Room 313, West Hartford CT 06107. Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and the Town Clerk’s Office will mail you the license and tag. Dog licenses can also be obtained in person by visiting the Town Clerk’s Office.

If a new application form is needed, it can be found on the town’s website. Please note that ncomplete applications will be returned.

For additional questions, please call 860-561-7430 or email [email protected].

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