Dog Licensing

Licensing & Registration

Massachusetts General Law requires that all dogs aged six months and older be licensed. 2023 licenses are currently available for purchase online and by mail. Applications can also be submitted in the drop box located at the Warren Street entrance to City Hall. Registration is due by April 30th. A CURRENT RABIES CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION FOR ALL NEW LICENSES AND RENEWALS. A SPAYED/NEUTERED CERTIFICATE IS ALSO REQUIRED (unless noted on rabies certificate).

The City Clerk's office does not process dog license applications over the counter. Applications with payment may be dropped off at the City Clerk's office. Your dog tag(s) will be mailed to you.

Online registration:

Online dog registration through ViewPoint Cloud (current rabies certificate is required with application)

Registration by mail:

Dog License Application Form (current rabies certificate is required with application) (PDF)

License Fees:

  • $15.00 license fee for neutered/spayed dogs + $2.00 processing fee per dog
  • $16.00 license fee for non-neutered/non-spayed dogs + $2.00 processing fee per dog
  • IMPORTANT NOTICE: Dog licenses run from April 30 to April 30 of the following year. A $10.00 late fee will go into effect on May 1. Any dog not licensed for the previous year will need to pay for a previous year’s license fee as well as a late fee of $10.00 in addition to paying for the current year's license fee. Purchase of a previous year's dog license in a new calendar year does not satisfy your requirement to license your dog for the new calendar year, and you will still be required to purchase a dog tag for the new calendar year when they become available for sale. (GCO Ch. 4, Sec. 4-22(b))

Dog registration is the responsibility of the dog owner. As a courtesy, registration notices are included in the city census, are posted on the City of Gloucester homepage and Gloucester Daily Times. Expiration dates are also stamped on the Gloucester dog tag and placed on the receipt of the dog tag. Registration is required by law (MGL Ch. 140, Sec. 137 and GCO Ch. 4, Sec. 4-22).

Rules and Regulations Regarding Dogs

Dog Owners: Please review Rules and Regulations related to dogs and public spaces including City beaches.