Maine Dog Licenses For 2021 Expire On Friday

If you haven't checked your newsfeed on Facebook lately, maybe you've missed something. You know, a message from your local town office...

... like in Glenburn from November 18th: "All dog registrations are due by December 31, 2021. Late fees of $25.00 per dog will be imposed by the State of Maine as of February 1, 2022."

... or Orrington on November 30th: "Reminder, dog licenses expire December 31st."

These wonderful city clerks have been reminding us dog owners for at least the past 4 or so weeks on social media that the 2021 dog licenses are expiring soon. With that, it's time to get new dog licenses for our puppers for 2022.

So, Why Do We Need To License Dogs Here In Maine?

According to the Division of Animal and Plant Health's website on Maine.gov, it has to do with containing the spread of disease, specifically rabies. Also, the fee you pay for licensing your dog helps pay for animal control officers and animal welfare programs.

Plus, if your dog goes missing, your licensing tag will help people bring your dog back to where he/she belongs.

Dogs should be licensed up to 10 days after you adopt a dog, for dogs 6 months or older.

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Where to License Your Dog In Maine

Some towns in the State of Maine need you to come to the town office to pay for your dog license, which means you should bring proof of rabies and a spay/neuter certificate in order to get your dog's new license for the new year.

Other towns, however, do use an online licensing program through the Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry, specifically the Division of Animal and Plant Health, so that you have the ability to pay online to get a new dog license, renew a license, or just to donate to fight animal abuse.

The cost starts at $7 for an 'altered dog', meaning a spayed or neutered dog.

What You Need On Hand To Renew or Get A New License For Your Dog

Credit Card
License/Tag number (Renewal only)
State of Maine Rabies certificate
Veterinarian's name and phone number
Spay or Neuter Certificate (if your dog has been "fixed")

Be sure to renew your dog license by January 31st so you don't have to pay a late fee. For more information visit the Division of Animal and Plant Health's website on Maine.gov.

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