For further assistance, contact the Town Clerk's Office, which is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m., with the exception of every election day and the following day. 

Dog Licensing

Per Vermont Statute all dogs must be licensed annually on or before April 1. 

Dog license renewals begin on January 6, 2026. Many Brattleboro dog owners who licensed in 2025 will receive a reminder email from Town of Brattleboro with a link to renew online. Check your spam or junk folder if you did not receive the email. Some dog owners who receive the email may not have created an account yet and will need to do so to renew online.  Anyone who created an OpenGov account may login and click on My Account to see the renewal under Actions Required. 

Reminder notices will be mailed to dog owners who did not renew through the portal in 2025, which will include licensing options and how to claim the record in the online portal. It is still possible to license in person, or through the mail or drop-box.

New dog owners, click on How to License a New Dog for information and instructions on licensing requirements.

Instructions

License a New Dog

Dog License Renewal Instructions

Print Application

Brattleboro dog and wolf-hybrid licenses are available. Vermont dogs and wolf-hybrids 6 months of age and older must be licensed on or before April 1. 

Renewal licenses may be obtained in person at the Town Clerk’s office, by using the drop box in the Municipal Center parking lot, through the mail, or online. Dogs being licensed in Brattleboro for the first time will need a current rabies certificate and application form, which is available online or at the Town Clerk’s office.

The Town Clerk's Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the exception of every election day and the following day.

If an animal has been spayed or neutered, documentation from a veterinarian must be presented to receive the reduced fee – this information may be on the rabies certificate. A current rabies certificate issued and signed by a veterinarian must be filed with the Town Clerk.

Vaccination against rabies is required by Vermont Statutes before licensing.

Learn more about dog licensing in the Town of Brattleboro by viewing our FAQs for dog owners.

A current vaccination means:

• All dogs and wolf-hybrids over three months of age shall be vaccinated against rabies. The initial vaccination shall be valid for 12 months. Within 9 to 12 months of the initial vaccination, the animal must receive a booster vaccination.
• All subsequent vaccinations following the initial vaccination shall be valid for 36 months when proof of prior vaccination is provided and the prior shot had not been expired for an extended time.

LICENSING FEES ON OR BEFORE APRIL 1 (or for a new licenses):
NEUTERED $21
UNNEUTERED $25

Effective January 1, 2025, the State increased dog licensing fees by $2 per dog. That money will go directly to the State to fund an animal welfare program.

Specially trained assistance dogs with documentation may be eligible for a reduced licensing fee. Reach out to the Town Clerk’s office for more information on this.

Dogs and wolf-hybrids licensed after April 1 will be charged a penalty. In addition, any person failing to license a dog or wolf-hybrid may be fined up to $100 and the dog or wolf-hybrid may be impounded. If an animal licensed last year has died or been given away, please contact the Town Clerk's office at 802-251-8157.
 

Dog Licensing FAQs