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.

Animal Control Officer

Ashley Pinger is the Windham County Animal Control Officer. The Guilford Selectboard has contracted with the Windham County Sheriff’s Office to provide animal control services to the town.

To report a nuisance dog please call:

802.365.4942 and ask for The Animal Control Officer: Ashley Pinger

You can also email them at: apinger@windhamcountyvt.gov or submit a report through the form below.

Dog Problem Report Form

Ordinance for the Control of Dogs