Guilford dog and wolf-hybrid licenses are available starting January 1st of every year. Vermont dogs and wolf-hybrids 6 months of age and older must be licensed BY March 31st and renewed every year. Any license acquired o or after April 2nd will be charged a penalty fee. New dog owners and new Guilford residents with dogs, have 30 days to register animals before penalties apply, unless the dog is less than 6 month old. If your dog tag is damaged or lost, while the license, is still valid a replacement can be acquired at the Town Office for a $2 replacement fee.

Fees:

  • Neutered/Spayed:   $11.00 ($4 Town & $7 State); Late fee (after 1st April) – $13
  • Unneutered/Unspayed:  $15.00 ($8 town & $7 State); Late fee (after 1st April) – $19
  • If an animal has been spayed or neutered, documentation from a veterinarian must be presented to receive the reduced fee – this information may be on the rabies certificate. 
  • A current rabies certificate issued and signed by a veterinarian must be filed with the Town Clerk in order to get your dog license.

Click here for the New Animal License Application

There are 3 different ways you can renew your license:

  1. In-Person: Dog licenses are available at the Guilford Town Office, from 8am-4pm. You will need a copy of your updated Rabies Vaccination and the appropriate payment. (Cash or Check only)
  2. Via Mail: You can mail a completed Animal License Application, a copy of your dog’s Rabies Vaccination, a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check with the appropriate payment addressed to “Town of Guilford” to 236 School Rd, Guilford, VT, 05301. *Please note we do not accept postmarks for late penalties.
  3. Online: You can email a completed Animal License Application and a copy of your Rabies Certificate to townclerk@guilfordvt.gov and pay the appropriate fee online at guilfordvt.gov by clicking on the “Pay a Bill” tab in the top right corner. Online payment will be charged a $3 service fee paid to the service provider. Once the payment and paperwork have been received, we will email you to confirm when we mail you a copy of your dog license and tag.  

Vaccination against rabies is required by Vermont Statutes before licensing.

A current vaccination means:

  • All dogs and wolf-hybrids over three months of age shall be vaccinated against rabies. The initial vaccination shall be valid for 12 months. Within 9 to 12 months of the initial vaccination, the animal must receive a booster vaccination.
  • All subsequent vaccinations following the initial vaccination shall be valid for 36 months.

Learn more about dog licensing in the Town of Guilford by viewing our Dog Ordinance.

Special Licenses & Kennel Permits

BREEDERS & HUNTING DOGS

Dogs kept for breeding purposes or hunting must obtain a Special License and Kennel Permit annually on or before April 1, the owner must provide:

  • The dogs will be kept in a proper enclosure (as defined in VT statute 3583); and
  • The dogs are properly immunized against rabies; and
  • Up to ten (10) dogs:
    • Special License Fee $30 (to Town, on first dog license only); and
    • $1 per dog for rabies (to State); and
    • Kennel License $10 (to Town, on first dog license only)
  • On eleventh (11th) dog or more:
    • $5 per dog for rabies (to State)
  • Dogs registered under this special license are exempt from other fees, but a Kennel Permit must be obtained.

Effective January 1, 2025, the State increased dog licensing fees by $2 per dog. That money will go directly to the State to fund an animal welfare program.

Specially trained assistance dogs may be eligible for a reduced licensing fee. Reach out to the Town Clerk’s office for more information on this.

Dogs and wolf-hybrids licensed after April 1 will be charged a penalty. In addition, any person failing to license a dog or wolf-hybrid may be fined up to $100 and the dog or wolf-hybrid may be impounded. If an animal licensed last year has died or been given away, please contact the Town Clerk’s office at (802)254-6857 ext.107.