Dog Licenses

A NY STATE DOG LICENSE HELPS PROTECT "MAN'S BEST FRIEND".....

New York State Law requires that every person owning or harboring a dog must obtain a license for that dog, so if you have just moved in from out of state, or added a new canine member to your family, getting a license for your dog is a must.

Administered by the State Agriculture Department, but enforced locally, the NY State dog law is much more than a license requirement because it is designed to protect your pet. Here's how it works.

Each licensed dog is assigned an identification number which is similar to your social security number in that it never changes, is unique to the dog, and is assigned for life. The identification number is engraved on the license tag which should be affixed to the dog's collar. The identifying information about the dog which is supplied by you on the license application is fed into a computerized central registry maintained by the State Agriculture Department.

If your dog gets lost, a Dog Control Officer can identify the dog within minutes by transmitting the number on its tag to the State Agriculture Department. In this way, the dog and owner can be speedily reunited and the dog avoids all the dangers faced by unidentified dogs. If you find a dog, contact either your local Dog Control Officer or your local clerk.

Applications for your dog's license can be obtained through the mail or in person from the City Clerk's Office.  
City Clerk's Office, 255 Main Street, White Plains, NY  10601   (914) 422-1227

Fees
The license fees are as follows:
A spayed/neutered dog $2.50 statutory fee + $5.00 local = $7.50
An unspayed/unneutered dog $7.50 statutory fee + $5.00 local fee + $3.00 spay/neuter fee = $15.50
State laws allow us to have local fees as one way of maintaining local dog shelters and other quality dog control and protection programs

Additional requirements
If the dog is spayed/neutered, we the application must be accompanied by a spaying/neutering certificate issued by your veterinarian, or an affidavit that can be obtained from our office.
A current rabies certificate provided by your veterinarian.
 

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO DOG OWNERS ~
Regulations

The following are excerpts from the City of White Plains Municipal Code: 
Section 1: Dogs are not permitted to be at large other than in the owner's home or on the premises of another person, with his/her permission. Punishable by a fine of up to $100.00
Section 2: In all other cases, dog owners must have their dogs on leashes not exceeding eight feet in length. Punishable by a fine of up to $100.00
Section 3: It shall be the duty of each dog owner to remove any feces left by his/her dog on any sidewalk, gutter, street or other public area.  Punishable by a fine of up to $100.00.
Section 4: All dogs must be licenses in compliance with Article 7 of the Agriculture & Markets Law. Punishable by a fine of up to $25.00.
All dog owners, in addition to licensing their dogs, must have them vaccinated for Rabies. At the time of licensing/renewing their dog license, a statement or certificate from a licensed veterinarian must be presented. Failure to have your dog vaccinated may result in substantial penalties.
Any dog owner failing to renew a dog license within sixty (60) days after the expiration, may be issued a summons.

Loud, unnecessary or unusual noises prohibited.
It is unlawful the keeping of any animal, bird or insect which, by causing frequent or continued loud noise or noises, shall unreasonably disturb the peace, comfort, or repose of any person in the vicinity. Punishable by a fine of up to $100.00, or imprisonment for up to thirty (30) days or both.

Impoundment
Any dog seized may be redeemed by its owner, who must provide proof of license and vaccination and pays the impoundment fee, which shall be ten dollars ($10) for each twenty-four hours or part thereof.