Deadline to license dogs extended to April 3 in Waterbury, Duxbury
March 31, 2023 | By Lisa Scagliotti 
Dogs get a ride on Main Street. File photo by Gordon Miller
The deadline to renew annual dog licenses in Vermont is here.
Usually April 1, some town clerks including those in Waterbury and Duxbury will extend the deadline to Monday, April 3, since the first falls on a Saturday and in Duxbury’s case, the town office is closed on Friday.
Waterbury Town Clerk Karen Petrovic said that in accordance with state statute, all dogs over the age of 6 months must be licensed. Proof of up-to-date rabies vaccination is required.
Licenses ensure that dogs have current rabies vaccinations and they can help identify a dog in the event a dog is lost or runs away, Petrovic explained. Licensing also is a protection should a dog bite another animal or person, which could result in the quarantine of the dog or even its euthanization if its rabies status is unknown. Licensing fees also help pay for a state program addressing the animal population in Vermont, she said.
In Waterbury, fees on or before April 3 are: $11 if the dog is neutered/spayed; $15 if not neutered/spayed. After the deadline, fees increase to $13 and $19 respectively. Payments may be made by cash or check.
Information on licensing dogs in Waterbury is online on the town clerk’s webpage at waterburyvt.com/departments/clerk/dogs. Contact the town clerk’s office with any questions at karen@waterburyvt.com or call 802-244-8447. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In Duxbury, fees are $9 for a neutered/spayed animal and $13 for an intact animal, according to Town Clerk Maureen Harvey. Fees increase by $3 to $12 and $16 respectively after the April 3 deadline. Proof of a valid rabies certificate is needed if not on file already.
Payments by cash or check as well. Harvey said residents may leave payment for a license with a note in the drop box outside the town offices and she will mail the license and tag to them.
Contact the Duxbury Town Clerk’s office at 802-244-6660 or email dux.townclerk@gmail.com with any questions. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday.