The 2026 dog license renewal season is now officially open. In accordance with New Hampshire state law, all dogs four (4) months of age or older must be licensed annually. Additional information, including licensing requirements and renewal options, is available on the Town’s website.
Renewal Deadline:
All dog licenses in New Hampshire expire on April 30, 2026, regardless of when the license was issued (RSA 466:1). A current rabies vaccination must be on file to renew or register a dog, as required by the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture.
Late Fees & Enforcement:
A one-month grace period follows the April 30 licensing deadline. Beginning June 1, a late fee of $1 per month will be assessed, and a $25 civil forfeiture fee may also be issued for unlicensed dogs. Civil forfeiture fees are assessed annually and cannot be waived. The Salem Animal Control Officer and staff are actively contacting dog owners regarding licensing requirements and delinquent accounts.
Dog License Fees:
- $9.00 – Unaltered male or female dog
- $6.50 – Spayed or neutered dog
- $2.25 – First dog owned by a senior citizen (65+)
- $25.00 – Group license (5 or more dogs at one address)
If a puppy is too young to be altered, the $6.50 fee applies for the first license. Dog licenses are not prorated.
How to Renew:
- Online via the Town’s Payment Portal
- By mail
- Via the Town Clerk drop box
- In person at the Town Clerk’s Office (no appointment is needed)
When renewing online, include the two-digit year before your tag number (example: 24-1998). If you received a Rabies Vaccination Acknowledgement Letter, you may use the license number shown on that letter to renew.
Renewal reminders may be sent by email through EB2gov.com. Please check your spam or junk folders if you do not see the message.
Please contact the Town Clerk’s Office to report any changes, including if a dog has been given away, no longer resides in Salem, has passed away, or if you have moved out of town.
Timely licensing of dogs is essential for ensuring public safety and maintaining accurate records within the Town. Thank you for your cooperation.