• if the dog is under four months of age and not running-at-large (off the owner’s premises)
• dogs harbored in New York City (these dogs must be licensed by the NYC Department of Health)
• if a non-resident brings a dog into New York State for less than 30 days and the dog is licensed according to the resident state’s licensing laws
• dogs confined to the premises of any public or private hospital, research institution or a Class A Dealer with a certificate of exemption from the Commissioner.

Licensing your dog

It is recommended that you come into the Town Clerk’s Office to get your dog’s initial license.  At that point, all owner information, contact information and pet information will be entered into the system.  You will also be issued a serialized tag that is to be worn on the dog collar.  This tag is to be used for as long as you have your dog licensed.  New tags are not issued with renewals. 

To be issued a license, you will need to provide:

• a spay/neuter certificate if applicable

• proof of current rabies vaccination

• check or cash for the appropriate fee (see fee schedule below)

(There is no fee for guide dogs, war dogs, hearing dogs, police work dogs or service dogs)

Licenses are typically issued for one year.  However, in the Town of Wappinger, the Town Clerk is authorized to issue licenses for up to three years, depending on the expiration of your pet’s rabies vaccination.  Veterinarians give either one year or three year rabies shots.  Your pets first shot is usually a one year shot and all subsequent vaccinations are three year shots. 

License Renewals

License renewal forms are mailed directly to the dog owner by the Department of Agriculture and Markets.  You should first ensure that the information on the renewal form is accurate. 

• Renewing by mail
  • Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope
  • Rabies Vaccination Certificate (if one is not already on file) 
  • Check for the appropriate fee made out to:
    • Town of Wappinger – Town Clerk
  • It is recommended that multiple year renewals be made in person at the Town Clerk’s Office.  If you do mail in a renewal for multiple years, be sure to CLEARLY indicate the length of the renewal.  If a multiple year renewal is not appropriate due to your dog’s rabies vaccination, your form and check will be returned to you

• Renewing in person
  • Bring in your dog’s rabies vaccination certificate (if one is not already on file)
  • Bring in cash or check for the appropriate amount

For More Information about Licensing your Dog

The Town Code chapter dealing with dog control is Chapter 68 and can be found using the Code Book link on the Town’s homepage. 

The Town Code chapter dealing with the removal of canine waste is Chapter 69 and can be found using the Code Book link on the Town’s homepage.      

The Town Animal Control Office is Officer Jerry Owen.  He can be reached at (845)      297-1030.

You can access the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets site at the   following link:  http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us/AI/Doglic.html

You can access Article 7 (relating to the licensing, identification and control of dogs and    animal population control program at the following link:      http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us/AI/AGM_ART_7.html