Dog Licensing

Requirements

Under New Hampshire State Law (RSA 466:1), all dogs four months of age or older must be registered, numbered, described, and licensed annually in the town where the dog is kept.

Licenses are valid from May 1 to April 30 of the following year, regardless of when they are obtained.

To obtain a license, owners must present:

• A current rabies vaccination certificate, and
• A neuter/spay certificate (if applicable).

Where to Secure a License

The Town Clerk issues dog licenses during their regular office hours:  Monday, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., and Thursday, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Surry Town Hall.

Securing a License for a New Dog

You should license your new dog as soon as possible. Your license will be valid from the date it is issued until the next April 30. You will need to provide a valid rabies certificate and, if applicable, a neuter/spay certificate.

Rabies Certificate 

Under RSA 436:102, veterinarians are required to forward a copy of each newly issued rabies vaccination certificate to the Town Clerk.

If the Town Clerk receives a rabies certificate for a dog that is not yet licensed, the Clerk, as required by RSA 466:1-b, will send a reminder letter to the dog owner about the state dog licensing requirements.

When You No Longer Own Your Dog or If You Move Out of Surry

It is your responsibility to contact the Town Clerk’s Office at townclerk@surry.nh.gov, and we will update our records accordingly.

Summary of Fees

• Individual License Fees:

  • $6.50 for puppies (ages 4–7 months)
  • $6.50 for adult dogs, spayed/neutered 
  • $9.00 for adult dogs, unspayed or unneutered 

• Senior Discount:

  • Owners 65 years or older pay $2.00 for one dog. Additional dogs are subject to the standard fees.

• Transfer Fee:

  • $1.50 to issue a new tag when a license is transferred from another town.

• Group License Fee (Non-Commercial):

  • A $20 fee is charged for a group license covering 5 or more dogs. Dogs under 3 months of age are not subject to this fee.

• Late Payment Charge:

  • An extra $1 per month (or any part thereof) is charged if the license fees remain unpaid past June 1.

•  Civil Foreiture Fine:

  • Beginning in July, a civil forfeiture fine of $25.00 per unlicensed dog will be assessed, plus the actual cost of sending notice by certified mail. Payment is due within 15 days after receiving the notice.

    Failure to pay all late charges, licensing fees, and civil forfeiture fines may result in a court summons.
    (RSA 466:13–14)