Getting a Dog License in Boston
Make sure you get your dog license if you haven’t. Here are some quick facts on who needs a license, where to get one, how much they cost
Who Needs a Dog License?
Dogs aged six months and older are required to be vaccinated and licensed. You need to renew your license every year.
What Do You Need to Get a Dog License?
- Unspayed/unneutered dogs need proof of current rabies vaccination.
- Spayed/neutered dogs need proof of rabies vacc and record of spay/neuter.
- Pit bulls and PB mixes need proof of home ownership or letter from landlord stating that you are allowed to have a pit bull or pit bull mix, a photo of your dog that is no more than 30 days old, and a photo of yourself (the owner) that is no more than 30 days old.
How Much Does a Dog License Cost?
* Unspayed/unneutered dogs: $17
* Spayed/neutered dogs: $6
* Pit bulls/pit bull mixes: $50
Where Do You Go to Get a Dog License?
There are two places you can go to get a Boston dog license. Bring all required paperwork and a check/money order (not cash).
1. The Property Management Department
Boston City Hall, Room 811
1 City Hall Plaza, Boston
2. City of Boston Animal Shelter
26 Mahler Road
Roslindale, MA
Hours: Mon-Sat 8 am to 4 pm & Wed 8 am to 8 pm
You can also purchase a dog license by mail if it is more convenient for you. Print the dog license application and fill it out. Mail the completed application, a copy of your dog’s rabies vaccination certificate, a check for the fee, and proof of spay/neuter (if applicable). You will receive the license in the mail.
Mail to:
Boston City Hall
Animal Control - Room 811
1 City Hall Plaza
Boston, MA 02201
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I function with these dogs and as far as animal behavior goes, I am a solid believer in nurture and training. I’ve met Jack Russell Terriers that I wouldn’t go near once again, but have by no means had a bad expertise with an American Staffordshire Terrier. If you are speaking about their owners- nicely, that’s a distinct story. Humans are animals as well, and we have a tendency to each have our own tips about “moral concepts”.
I own an American Staffordshire terrier and she is by no means “viscous” The staffies are NOT pitbulls.They may be in the same family as a ptbut they are there own breed and have different temperaments.Besides any dog can be dangerous,it all in the owner and how the dog is treated and trained.All dogs have their own personalities and I don’t believe one breed out of hundreds should be labeled.Humans don’t like being labeled as a certain “Type” we are all ANIMALS and can do things we would never concider doing.Should we muzzel all Ex cons because sociaty say they are a danger,NO that would be INHUMANE right? so why subject one breed of dog to that same inhumanity.I personally consider that animal abuse.Of course I do agree that if your dog is aggressive and will bite that the dog should be taken from the owner as I beleive that it the owners fault that the dog is aggressive.If someone cannot control the animal then they have no business owning one.
Does anybody know why dogs need to be licensed? Do the licensing fees go into a general fund or are they earmarked for dog/animal-related programs?
What’s the point of making the license for a pit bull $50 compared to $6 for neutered/spayed canines and $17 for intact canines? Can a canine be “confiscated” if it doesn’t have a license and the high fee for a Pit used to deter some people from paying the fee and getting their confiscated dog returned?
Folks, it’s not an issue of whether the dog is aggressive or not. It’s an issue of the damage they can do if they are aggressive. I agree it’s a shame that pit bulls have gotten a bad rap. And I think that if they outlawed Pit Bulls, the irresponsible people that currently have pits will simply get a different breed.
I’d much rather get bit by a jack than by a Pit.