Dog Licenses

Lancaster's Animal Control Bylaw requires that all dogs over 6 months of age be licensed annually. An up-to-date rabies certificate must be on file before a license can be issued. The licensing period is January 1 through December 31, and licenses are due by March 31. The cost is $10 for a neutered male or spayed female, and $20 for an unaltered dog of either sex. 

2024 Dog Licenses
Please be on the lookout for your Census coming in January. Your 2024 Dog License application will be at the bottom of your census form. Your completed Dog License application can be returned by mail (please include a self-addressed stamped envelope) or in person to the Town Clerk's office.

Dogs can also be licensed on-line after January 1, 2024.

Late Fees
Anyone of any age who fails to license his/her dog by March 31 will be charged a $50.00 late fee (plus $10 per each additional month) and could be further subject to court action.

If you did not license your dog(s) in 2023, the Town Clerk's office will waive your late fee(s) IF you pay the regular fee(s) for 2023 AND your new 2024 license fee(s) by March 31, 2024.

Senior Exemption
Please note that at the October 16, 2006, Special Town Meeting the voters of Lancaster accepted the provisions of Mass General Law Chapter 140, Section 139, which allow the Town to issue Dog Licenses free of charge to residents over 70 years of age. The application process is the same for residents of all ages. Dogs must be up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations, and the rabies certificate must be on file in the Town Clerk’s office.

For more information regarding Dog Licenses, please contact the Town Clerk's Office at 978-365-3326 ext 1090 or via email.