PORTSMOUTH — In accordance with state law, all dogs residing in Portsmouth must be licensed annually. Prior to licensing, dogs must also be vaccinated against rabies.
The City Clerk’s Office has sent renewal notices to more than 3,000 dog owners in Portsmouth via mail or email. Licenses are valid from April to April each year.
Residents can renew their licenses online (provided a valid rabies vaccination record is on file), by mail, or in person at the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall, located at 1 Junkins Avenue. Office hours are Monday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to4:30 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. First-time applicants can find more information and apply at portsnh.co/doglicense or call 603-610-7245 for assistance.
License fees are as follows:
- $10 per male or female dog.
- $7.50 per neutered or spayed dog.
- $3 for the first dog owned by a senior citizen (age 65 or older), $7.50 for a subsequent spayed or neutered dog, and $10 for an unaltered dog.
- $7.50 per puppy aged three to seven months for first-time licensing. Proof of spay/neuter will be required for the following year to retain the $7.50 fee. If the dog remains intact the fee will increase to $10.
This year, the Clerk’s Office is introducing the “Top Dog Competition.” During April, three randomly selected residents who license their dogs will receive gift baskets with goods and services for their pets, courtesy of local businesses.
City Clerk Kelli Barnaby also encourages dog owners to notify the office if they no longer have their dog.
“If your pet has passed away, please accept our condolences,” Barnaby said.
Barnaby also reminds residents to properly dispose of dog waste.
“We love our dogs! However, dog waste carries harmful bacteria that can make our waters unsafe for drinking or swimming,” Barnaby said. “Picking up dog waste and disposing of it properly is a small effort that can make a big difference in keeping our waters clean.”
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