Vermont's dog licensing law
Vermont's licensing requirement is established in Title 20, Chapter 193 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated. Key provisions:
- 20 V.S.A. § 3581: All dogs and wolf-hybrids six months or older must be licensed annually through the town clerk.
- 20 V.S.A. § 3582: The license year runs from April 1 through March 31. Licenses obtained after April 1 incur a late fee.
- 20 V.S.A. § 3590: The town clerk must record all licenses in the town's dog registry.
Source: Vermont Statutes Title 20, Chapter 193 — Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control (accessed September 3, 2026).
License fees
| License type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Altered dog (spayed/neutered) | $10.00 | Proof of spay/neuter required |
| Unaltered dog | $14.00 | State incentivizes spay/neuter |
| Late fee (after April 1) | $4.00 additional | Applied to all late renewals |
These are the state-set fees under 20 V.S.A. § 3583. A portion of each license fee goes to the state's spay/neuter program fund. Individual towns cannot charge more than the statutory fee. Source: 20 V.S.A. § 3583 (accessed September 3, 2026).
Rabies vaccination requirement
Vermont law (20 V.S.A. § 3581) requires proof of current rabies vaccination before a license can be issued. Vermont's Department of Health tracks rabies cases statewide — raccoons, skunks, and bats are all active rabies vectors in Vermont. The state participates in the USDA's Oral Rabies Vaccination Program (ORV), which distributes vaccine-laden baits along Vermont's borders to create a barrier against raccoon rabies. Source: Vermont Department of Health — Rabies (accessed September 3, 2026).
How to license — Vermont's town clerk system
Visit your town clerk's office (or contact them by mail — many Vermont towns accommodate this) with:
- Proof of current rabies vaccination (veterinarian-issued certificate)
- Proof of spay/neuter if applicable (for the $10 reduced fee)
- Payment for the license fee
Vermont has 251 towns, each with its own clerk. Some larger towns (Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland, Montpelier) offer online licensing options. Smaller towns may require an in-person or mail-in application. After licensing, you'll receive a metal tag that must be displayed on your dog's collar at all times.
Vermont's unique "dog census"
Vermont law (20 V.S.A. § 3590) requires selectboards to conduct an annual census of unlicensed dogs in April. If your dog isn't licensed by April 1, the town may actively seek you out. This isn't just a theoretical provision — small Vermont towns know their residents and their dogs. The social pressure of a town clerk knocking on your door is real enforcement in rural Vermont.
Cats in Vermont
Vermont does not require cat licensing at the state level. However, the rabies vaccination requirement applies to all cats (20 V.S.A. § 3581(d)). Given Vermont's active raccoon and bat rabies populations, vaccinating cats — especially outdoor cats — is both legally required and practically important.
Vermont dog license checklist
Last verified: September 3, 2026. Licensing law from 20 V.S.A. Ch. 193. Fees from § 3583. Rabies info from Vermont Dept. of Health. Requirements can change — verify with your town clerk. This guide is informational only.