Dog Licensing Information & Mail-In Form

We cannot stress enough the importance of licensing your dog!

According to Massachusetts General Laws, the owner or keeper of a dog over the age of 6 months shall obtain a license for the dog from the Town Clerk. The owner of the dog needs to provide the Town Clerk with a veterinary certification that the dog was vaccinated for rabies. If the dog has not been registered in Grafton prior to this year, or is newly altered, a copy of the certificate or receipt from the veterinarian who spayed or neutered the dog must also be included. Please refer to M.G. L. Chapter 140, Sections 136A - 174E for more details regarding these requirements.

Dog licensing may be completed at the Town Clerk's office during regular business hours, by mail or online (online licensing is available only if current rabies and spay/neuter certificates are on file with the Clerk's office). Please provide a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate showing the expiration date and proof of spaying/neutering (if applicable and not already on file - we will not process the dog license without the rabies vaccination). Also, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if using the Mail-In Registration option.

Registration Period & Late Fees

All dogs, ages six months and older, must be licensed before June 1st, of each year. Failure to do so will result in a $10 late fee for each unlicensed dog.

Fees Per Dog

• Male/Female - $15
• Spayed/Neutered - $10
• If the owner is 70 or older or the dog is a service dog, the dog tag is free. The rabies information must be under the individual's name to receive the tag for free. Free tags are available in office or through the mail only.
• Replacement tag - $0.50 (please call in advance for replacement tags)

Kennel Licenses

• Kennel with 4 dogs or fewer - $30
• Kennel with 10 dogs or fewer - $40
• Kennel with more than 10 dogs - $50

The licensing period is April 1 to March 31, as it is for individual dogs; the late fee begins on June 1 and is $10 per dog. The requirement to provide proof of rabies vaccinations and proof of spaying/neutering is also the same. Kennel owners are not currently able to use the online payment system as an inspection is required prior to the kennel license being issued.

For more information and explanations/definitions regarding kennel licenses, please refer to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 136A - 174E. If you have specific questions about your kennel and related fees, feel free to contact the Town Clerk's Office.

Registration Online

You may register your dog online if a current rabies certificate is on file. Visit the UniPayGold website. Must type Town of Grafton Clerk for Town Clerk related options. There is a convenience fee per dog and the credit card service provider charges a fee. 

Please note: Online renewals must have an up-to-date rabies certificate on file with the Town Clerk's office. Please contact the Clerk's office to verify the information is on file and to avoid having your request refunded. 

Renewals

The Town of Grafton's Annual Town Census mailing will serve as a reminder to renew your dog license each year.

For any questions regarding dog licensing, please email the Town Clerk's office or call 508-839-5335, ext. 1300.