As Burlington residents and their pets are beginning to populate the sunny streets or green city parks, it’s important to have a reminder of what pet laws and regulations the city enforces.
Pet laws vary by municipalities, with cities being able to enact local ordinances to cover a wide range of issues like leash laws, dangerous dog regulations and animal cruelty prevention.
A national study from the American Veterinary Association in 2018 found that 70% of Vermont homes had a pet. That number was narrowed down to 28% of households having at least one dog, and 45% of households having a cat.
There are over 7,000 dogs registered in Burlington, something you might notice if you’re walking down Church Street or relaxing on a bench at Waterfront Park. For as many pets as that is, what exactly are Burlington’s laws and regulations regarding pets? Can I let my dog off leash in the park? Does my cat need a collar or microchip? Below is a list of the cities ordinances that every pet owner should know to avoid a penalty, fee or potential impounded of your furry friend.
Notable pet ordinances in Burlington
- Every owner or keeper of a dog or cat more than six months old shall be required to register and license the animal, in the manner prescribed by the city, with the city clerk’s office and to do so annually.
- Spayed/neutered: $27.
- Unspayed/unneutered: $47.
- Late fees will be applied to licenses not renewed by April 1.
- Penalty for not complying: First Offense in a 12-month period is $50 to $100. Second Offense in a 12-month period is $100 to $200. Third and subsequent offense in a 12-month period is $200 to $500.
- Proof of a current rabies vaccination, as required by state law, shall be required for the licensing of any animal.
- The license tag issued to any person as well as up-to-date identification that includes the name and contact information for the owner of the dog or cat shall be securely attached to a collar or harness on such licensed dog or cat and worn at all times or the dog or cat is required to have a current microchip.
- Dogs shall be leashed or controlled by other similar means of physical restraint at all times, except in off-leash areas. Cats shall be leashed or confined in a carrier at all times.
- Generally, two things can happen if you’re found with an unleashed dog – you may receive a municipal ticket and depending on the circumstances, your dog may be impounded.
- The fee to release a dog from impound is $75, plus a $10 a day boarding fee. Dogs cannot be released unless they are properly registered. If a dog is impounded three or more times in a 12-month period, the case may be referred to the Animal Control Committee of the Police Commission.
- No domestic animals, except dogs and cats, are permitted in any park.
- Dogs are not allowed on public swimming beaches. Those include Oakledge and Blanchard, Leddy and North Beach.
- All dog bites must be promptly reported to Burlington Police Department.
- The owner, keeper or person in control of any dog or cat shall be responsible for the removal of any defecation deposited by such dog or cat on any public or private property.
- Dogs are not permitted within the cemetery grounds, except as required by law.
- Should an at-large dog be deemed to pose an imminent public safety risk, said animal may be killed by the police department or their designee. Such an act shall occur where other reasonable means to control the animal have been unsuccessful or deemed not practicable under the circumstances.
- Regarding exotic animals (all animals except domestic dogs, domestic cats and the European ferret), no person shall have an exotic pet or permit their exotic pet to be on or about the Church Street Marketplace or within a city park unless expressly approved by the Marketplace director or parks department.
Sydney P. Hakes is the Burlington city reporter. Contact her at SHakes@gannett.com.
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