Dog Licensing

Requirements

State of New Hampshire law (RSA 466:1) requires that all owners of dogs four months and older shall annually be registered, numbered, described, and licensed in the Town in which the dog is kept. Regardless of when the license is obtained, the license is valid from May 1 of each year to the following April 30.

By State law, owners must present a valid rabies certificate and, if applicable, a neuter/spay certificate.

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 time the license 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 

Veterinarians are required to forward a copy of newly issued rabies certificates to the town clerk  (RSA 436:102). If the town clerk receives a rabies certification for an unregistered dog, the clerk, as required by RSA 466:1-b, will send a reminder letter about the state dog licensing requirements to the dog owner.

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:

  • Failure to license your dog is a violation of State law.  In July, Civil forfeiture fines will be assessed at $25.00 per dog, plus a $7.00 certified letter service fee, due within 15 days after receiving the notice. Failure to pay late charges, licensing fees, and civil forfeiture fees may result in a summons to appear in court. (RSA 466:13-14).