Dog license late fees waived; animal control position still vacant

A dog and its human enjoy a walk along the cornfield in downtown Waterbury recently. Dogs are required to be on a leash per town ordinance. Photo by Gordon Miller

The Waterbury Select Board at its last meeting agreed to a request by Town Clerk Carla Lawrence to waive the late fee for dog owners registering their canine pets after April 1 this year. 

The board did the same last year as the town offices are open to the public by appointment only due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

April 1 is typically the annual deadline to get dog licenses renewed. Dog owners may still do so for the regular fees of $11 for a neutered/spayed canine, $15 otherwise. Details are online at waterburyvt.com/departments/clerk/dogs.

People may send in payment by mail or by using the drop box at the main entrance of the municipal offices. 

Lawrence told the board that she’s seen a drop in license renewals and wanted to encourage the public to register their pets and get updated tags that can help identify an animal if they become lost. 

Lawrence also reminds pet owners that the town Animal Control Ordinance requires dogs to be leashed unless they’re at the enclosed dog park. The ordinance is on the town clerk section of the town website under animal control: waterburyvt.com/departments/clerk/animals. 

The town also is seeking a part-time Animal Control Officer. Details on the position’s responsibilities, compensation ($450 per month), and how to apply are on the town website at waterburyvt.com/news/item/post/animal-control-officer-position.

Contact the town clerk’s office at 244-8447 or email clawrence@waterburyvt.com with any questions.