When do I need to license my dog?
All dogs in Maine must be licensed upon reaching six months of age and having been with their family for ten days. The standard annual renewal window runs from October 15 to December 31, plus a grace period until January 31. Beginning on February 1, all renewals come with a mandatory $25 late fee.
How much does a dog license cost?
Spayed/neutered: $6
Unaltered: $11
Late fee: add $25
Mailing fee: add $1 (or include self-addressed, stamped envelope)
Online rates may differ.
How do I license my dog?
In office: Bring your dog’s current Certificate of Rabies Vaccination into our office. Please check to make sure that the Certificate shows the date the shot was given, when it expires, the rabies tag number, and the details of the vaccination itself (manufacturer, lot number, etc.). If it does not contain that information, it is likely just a receipt or vaccine schedule, and you will need to contact your vet for the actual Certificate. You will need to bring the Certificate every year – they do not stay on file.
If your dog was neutered or spayed after their most recent rabies vaccination, the Rabies Certificate will most likely show that they are unaltered. In that case, please also bring your separate Certificate of Spay or Neuter in order to get the discounted rate. You only need to do this once – that information does stay on file.
If your dog turns six months old or you adopt your dog outside of the standard renewal window, please bring documentation of your dog’s birthdate and/or adoption date so that you do not get charged the late fee.
By mail: If you are renewing your dog’s license (i.e. you licensed them in Blue Hill last year) within the standard registration period, you may do so by mail. Please include the Rabies Certificate, the Spay/Neuter Certificate if applicable, and a check for $6 or $11 per dog as applicable plus $1 for return mailing. Alternatively, you may enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope in lieu of the additional $1. Outside of the standard registration window, or if this is your first time licensing your dog in Blue Hill, please come into our office.
Online: During the standard registration window, you may use this online portal to license your dog online. You will be required to upload the same documents and the fees may differ. Your license and tag will come by mail. The portal is not operational outside of the standard registration window.