New dog license fees reflect state, town increases

January 4, 2025 | By Lisa Scagliotti 

It’s a new year and getting your dog’s annual license will cost more in Vermont due to an increase in state and local fees. 

Waterbury dogs Faust, Finney and Wally enjoy the last day at the town swimming pool last summer. Photo by Gordon Miller

The Waterbury Select Board recently approved a new fee schedule for dog licenses. 

Town Clerk Karen Petrovic explained that the state portion of the fee is increasing $2 from $5 to $7. The town adds an additional fee. New license fees for 2025 are $15 for a spayed/neutered dog, $20 for an unaltered animal; those are up from $11 and $15 previously.

State law requires dogs aged 6 months and older to be licensed and pet owners need to show proof that their dog has been vaccinated for rabies. (A rabies certificate on file is sufficient as long as it is still current.) 

Having a license helps identify your pet should it become lost. It also provides important rabies vaccine information. State fees are directed to several programs including rabies control, spay and neuter efforts and animal welfare. 

New tags for 2025 are now available from the town clerk. Regular fees apply through April 1. After that, late fees will be charged. The fees after April 1 are $20 for a neutered/spayed dog, $25 for unaltered. Fees after Oct. 1 for dogs new to an owner or new residents to Waterbury are $10 for spayed/neutered and $15 for others.  

Payments must be made by cash or check. For more information, contact the town clerk’s office Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 802-244-8447 or email Town Clerk Karen Petrovic at karen@waterburyvt.com.